3rd Annual Raid on the Suwannee Civil War Re-Enactment

– The 3^rd Annual Raid on the Suwannee, a Civil War re-enactment presented by Hardee’s Corp Civil War re-enactors, will be held Nov. 18-20 at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Fl. Presented in living color with authentic uniforms and artillery, authentic encampments and two Civil War battles, this American history lesson on the Civil War is an event not to be missed by anyone who wants to feel they have been taken back to America’s Civil War fought from 1861-1865. It’s an opportunity for you and your children to see up close and actually hear history during the battle re-enactments! You can be sure it is authentic, complete with live battle action by re-enactors representing the South and the North in authentic uniforms with gun fights, soldiers being “wounded” and “doctors” tending to the wounded. It’s so realistic, you’ll forget it’s 2011! You are cordially invited to join them! Guests may visit the encampments of both Confederate and Union soldiers Saturday and Sunday, getting a realistic view of how these soldiers lived during the war between the states. Camps are authentic and soldiers and their families use the same type of equipment to cook and go about their daily chores as did their fellow soldiers in the 1800s. You may also shop the Sutler merchants who have Civil War area items to delight any customer.

ADMISSION

– Admission is only $6 per adult with children under 8 free. School Day is Friday, Nov. 18 for area schools which have been invited to bring their students for this historic event. Students who attend the Friday event will receive a pass to return on the weekend with their parents.

CIVIL WAR HISTORY

– During the Civil War years of the 1860s, Florida was a major participant in many ways. Not only did Florida field troops for every aspect of the conflict that led to a truly united America—but Florida was the most productive state in the South in the closing years of the Civil War. The pioneer families of Florida were enterprising, producing farm product, cattle, goods and services of all types. The Union fully recognized this, leading to a series of skirmishes all over Florida. One of the goals of the Union was to control shipping, and more importantly, the well established rail lines in Florida. This led to the well known Battle of Olustee some 30 miles to the east of where the Raid is held today. Less well known were the numerous “probes” all along the coastal accessible area of the state.

There are earthworks reminding us of the encampments and hastily erected fortification at the nearby Suwannee River State Park. A “spur line” that served a river landing with mule drawn cargo cars still borders The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, with roots into the 19^th Century.

SCHEDULE

* This year’s events will feature full afternoon battles at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday Nov. 20

* The event opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday

* A 10 a.m. drill and weapons inspection will be held Saturday

* A formal Ladies Tea will be held Saturday

* Grand Ball Saturday night (public may attend for a fee – Civil War period clothing required)

* Authentic church service Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at the SOSMP chapel on Rees Lake

* A grand review of the troops will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday before the last battle at 2 p.m.

See the SOSMP web site at www.musicliveshere.com for a full schedule. For more info, go to www.floridareenactorsonline.com/SuwanneeGenInfo.htm. For additional information, please contact Bob “General” Goodrich, 352-493-0625 or T. F. Smoak, event planning, 386-935-2662.

SOS CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT

– The SOSMP’s SOS Café and Restaurant will be open during this event where you may enjoy a full meal, sandwiches or snacks and drinks. Friday, Nov. 18, the Music Hall opens at 5 p.m. for dinner. Music and dancing begins at 8 p.m. with the Jukebox Oldies Band. The band, made up of Bo Martin, Mike Dame, CF Sirmans, Stacy Sirmans, Billy Folsom and Larry Dean, love to play AM radio hits primarily from the 60s for your listening and dancing pleasure. A few from the 50s, 70s and 80s are also on the play list. This veteran band’s motto and mission statement is GOOD TIMES, GREAT OLDIES…SONGS YOU CAN SING ALONG TO ‘CAUSE YOU KNOW THE WORDS!

HARDEE’S CORPS

– Hardee’s Corps is a 501(3)C non profit organization that accurately portrays the events of this time in an atmosphere of “Folks and Family.” The organization has coordinated events all over the Southeast for decades, including the Brooksville and Crystal River re-enactments which draw thousands of re-enactors and those interested in this unique experience. Expect authentic 1860s encampments, period goods and wares from the Sutlers (visitors may purchase), hundreds of soldiers and officers anxious to share their history and 19^th century food—as well as the comforts and facilities offered by the SOSMP.

FOR MORE INFO

– For more information about the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, call 386-364-1683, email spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many exciting events coming up this year at the SOSMP such as Thanksgiving dinner/weekend with Old Tyme Farm Days, Ted McMullen’s Music Legends Show, the I’ll Remember You Elvis contest, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers bluegrass/gospel group and much, much more!

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95^th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!