Civil War Returns for Colossal Engagement

Veteran’s Day is approaching and that means it’s time for Moorpark Rotary’s annual Civil War reenactment called “The Blue and Grey” at Underwood Farms. This year’s reenactment  will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12 and 13. Gates open each morning at 10 a.m.

The fundraising event includes historically accurate period costumes, camp cookouts, music and lots of guns blazing and cannons firing. This year’s theme is “The 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War.” 

Billing it as the “largest Civil War reenactment west of the Mississippi,” Dale Parvin, the event’s coordinator, estimates that because of the celebration of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary, the event may draw as many as 800-1,000 participants and 10,000 visitors over a two-day weekend.

Why stage such a huge Civil War event in Moorpark? After all, the war itself was fought solely in the East. Reenactment coordinator Ed Mann believes it’s a chance to reconnect Californians with an important part of their history.

“A large part of the American population came to California after the Civil War,” said Mann. “Californians today should be aware they have connections to people in the Civil War. Hopefully this reenactment will spur their interest in their connection to these events.”

Thanks in large part to support by cable giant Time Warner, the Moorpark Rotary reenactment has drawn considerable notice across Southern California. 

“I get calls now from Corona, Lancaster, and Riverside,” said Parvin.

In the past, participants have traveled here from 13 states and London. 

Parvin believes this year’s reenactment will be bigger and better than ever. More visitors. More parking. And, for those who enjoy the battle scenes, more gunfire.

“There’ll definitely be more pyrotechnics this year,” he said.

The battles chosen for this year’s reenactment are: 

Saturday:

Noon—The Battle of South Mountain, followed by the Gettysburg Address (presented by John Ansel as Abraham Lincoln);

3 p.m.—The Battle of Chancellorsville;

5:15 p.m.—A Spectacular Night Battle

Sunday:

Noon—The Battle of Gettysburg, Wheatfield & Little Roundtop;

2:30 p.m.—The Battle of Antietam, The Cow Field.

There will also be a Veterans Day celebration after the first battle on Sunday featuring a 21-cannon salute. Food by local vendors will be for sale, plus souvenirs and other items from what Parvin terms “suttlers,” the name given to vendors who sold military supplies during the Civil War.

Historical items for sale might range from 1860s mock firearms and general merchandise to hand-sewn period clothing. 

Mann expects that this year there will be renewed interest in the Civil War.

“There seems to be increased public awareness of the history this year,” he said. “And it’s not coincidental that there’s a connection to the 150th anniversary of the war. Things like that have a way of stimulating interest in historical events.” 

Moorpark Rotary uses this event to support causes like the Boys and Girls Club of Moorpark, the American Cancer Society, several scholarship funds, local little leagues, and the Moorpark Food Pantry. 

The event is recommended for ages 6 and up. For a small additional charge, bleacher seating can provide the best view of the battles. However, since events are spread across a wide area, attendees should come prepared to walk. And everyone, particularly those with children, should be aware that the firearms and cannons can be very loud.

Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. This year the Moorpark Rotary is offering a $2 discount if tickets are purchased online. Pickup is available at will call. 

Underwood Farms is located at 3370 Sunset Valley Road, just south of Tierra Rejada. For more information, visit Moorpark Rotary’s website or call (805) 279-5253.