Annual Civil War reenanactment pits the Blue against the Gray

BATTLEFIELD- A soldier reenactor describes a specific battle, often including details not found in history books. Reenactors often go to great lengths to put together uniforms that are as historically accurate as possible, down to the original manufacturing methods of the fabric.

The Rotary Club of Moorpark will sponsor the seventh annual The Blue and The Gray Civil War reenactment this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11, at Tierra Rejada Ranch, 3370 Sunset Valley Road (behind Underwood Family Farms) in Moorpark.

The gates open at 10 a.m. both days. Battles are at noon, 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday and at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

This year's event reenacts five of the most famous battles of the Civil War. On Saturday, the noon engagement is "Antietam- The Bloody Lane." The 3 p.m. engagement is a reenactment of the first day of Shiloh. The evening engagement is "Cold Harbor."

The Sunday noon battle is "Antietam- Burnside's Final Assault" and the final engagement is "Franklin." Spectators can expect to see infantry clashes, cavalry charges, artillery barrages and, during the 5 p.m. "twilight" battle, moviequality pyrotechnic explosions.

The event also features Abraham Lincoln reading his Gettysburg Address, Gen. Lee's surrender to Gen. Grant and the opportunity to inspect the Union and Confederate camps and speak to reenactors.

Vendors and food booths will be available.

Sunday will highlight Veterans Day with a special ceremony, including a parade and 21-cannon salute, after the noon battle to honor veterans. All veterans in uniform or with veteran identification can receive a $5 discount on admission on Sunday.

Proceeds from the event will be contributed to local organizations and charities.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children and free for children five and under.