Battle of Perryville commemoration set for Oct. 1-2

PERRYVILLE — The 149th commemoration of the Battle of Perryville will be held Oct. 1-2 at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Activities also will be held in downtown Perryville during the weekend.
Perryville’s annual commemoration will feature antiques and period vendors, guided tours, museum, military demonstrations and a Civil War lecture series. Adults and children older than 11 can participate in the “School of the Soldier,” an interactive education program that will train attendees to be a Civil War soldier.
Paranormal lectures and a ghost hunt also are on tap. Admission is $10 per carload; some activities require individual ticket purchase.
For more information, log on to www.perryvillebattlefield.org or call (859) 332-8631.
Here is a look at events going on during the Battle of Perryville commemoration at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, which opens at 9 a.m. both days:
** School of the Soldier: Civil War soldiers did not spend most of their time in a combat situation. Most of their time was spent learning how to be a soldier and in camp.
Now, interested participants can enlist as part of the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Learn basic drill and maneuver as a Civil War soldier did. Training is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 1; it is not recommended for children younger than 11.’
** Military demonstration and living history: Civil war re-enactors demonstrate battle movements as they recreate military maneuvers that were used during the Battle of Perryville.
Living history will occur throughout the day in the military encampments: 2 p.m. Saturday, military demonstrations; 1 p.m. Sunday, military demonstrations.
** Civil War lecture series, book presenters and signers: Noted Kentucky historians and authors will present lectures throughout the weekend discussing various Kentucky and Perryville related Civil War Topics.
** Antique and period vendors tents: Attendees can learn about various Civil War Sites and organizations located throughout Kentucky’s Civil War landscape.
**  Paranormal lectures and Perryville paranormal tour: Perryville Battlefield long has been known for paranormal activity. Many people describe abnormal experiences while on the battlefield. Spirit Hunters of Central Kentucky will conduct paranormal lectures throughout the weekend.
At 6 p.m. Saturday, participants will be able to tour the Perryville Battlefield with SHOCK — and maybe experience something, too. Fee charged for this event; not recommended for children younger than 11. VIP and special tours available. Log on to www.spirithunters-ky.com for more information.
** Guided battlefield tours and museum: Knowledgeable tour guides will give in-depth tours of the battlefield. Their topics will introduce attendees to certain segments of the battle that proved to be crucial for both armies on Oct. 8, 1862. Fee charged for this event.

Here is a look at events going on in downtown Perryville during the Battle of Perryville commemoration:
Sept. 30
9 a.m.-dusk: crafts, flea market and food. Living history exhibits and shopping along Merchants Row throughout the day.
5:30 p.m.: registration for Tiny Mr. and Miss; contest follows at 6 p.m.
6 p.m.: registration for Little Mr. and Miss; contest follows at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.: registration for Miss Pre-Teen Perryville; contest follows at 7 p.m.
All contests will be held in the Perryville Methodist Church Lot.
9 p.m.-midnight: street dance, Methodist church parking lot.

Oct. 1
9 a.m.-dusk: crafts, flea market and food. Living history exhibits and shopping along Merchants Row throughout the day.
9 a.m.: parade line up, Perryville Elementary School; parade route will be down West Fourth Street, along Merchants Row and up Second Street, ending at Second and Polk streets. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: car/cycle show registration, East First Street.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Kids Corner, hosted by Boyle County FFA; includes pony rides, petting zoo and face painting. Kids Corner will be in vacant lot across from Perryville Christian Church.
1 p.m.: Civil War skirmish, Merchants Row. Miss Teen Perryville, Methodist church lot.
2 p.m.: Miss Perryville Battlefield, Methodist church lot.
5 p.m.: Boyle County Middle School Dance Team, Methodist church lot.
6-9 p.m.: corn hole tournament, Methodist church lot; registration will be 6-6:15 p.m.
9 p.m.-midnight: street dance.