SIDNEY — Visitors to Brookside Park this weekend should not be startled by the sound of gunfire. Company B of the 1st Tennessee Infantry will again hold their spring drill in that portion of Tawawa Park. Their encampment will begin Friday evening, April 27, with the Confederate re-enactors drilling throughout the day on Saturday, and departing after additional drill on Sunday.
The same group of Confederate re-enactors first held their spring drill in Brookside Park in 2015. It was their positive experience that helped launch Sidney’s first Civil War Living History Weekend in September 2016.
“Brookside is ideal for our spring drill,” said J.R. Sharp, a Confederate re-enactor who commands the 1st Tennessee Infantry’s Company B. “The park’s unique terrain features including Tawawa Creek, the valley and the overlooking bluffs help provide my unit with unique training experiences.”
Sharp also serves on the committee that organizes Sidney, Ohio’s Civil War Living History Weekend.
“While my troops will be training during the weekend, visitors should feel free to visit our campsite. If time permits, we can explain the what and why of the particular drills we are conducting,” Sharp said.
“In addition, visitors can see first-hand how soldiers lived while in camp. Our unit is as authentic as any,” Sharp continued. “The only difference between my troops and Confederate soldiers a century and a half ago is that we will arrive at Brookside in motorized vehicles!”
“I want to thank City Council, Parks and Recreation Director Duane Gaier and Shelby County Historical Society Director Tilda Phlipot for helping to make Brookside available for our drill. It really is a perfect spot for what we need to accomplish this time of year,” Sharp said.
Preliminary planning is already underway for Sidney’s next biennial Civil War Living History Weekend. This year’s event is scheduled for Tawawa Park Sept. 15-16.
