From remembering the civil war in the south to an appreciation of the arts and culture of the Art Deco era, historical events and festivals across the USA are numerous and varied.
Whether it is in re-enacting the journey of an historic pioneer wagon train, or noting the life and achievements of the human rights icon and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King Jr, the USA is proud of its history and showcases many events and festivals throughout the year.
ALABAMA
Anniversary of Battle of Horseshoe Bend
March
Dadeville, Alabama
2040-acre Horseshoe Bend National Military Park preserves the site of the battle of Horseshoe Bend in which General Andrew Jackson and an army of 3,300 men attacked 1,000 Upper Creek warriors on the Tallapoosa River.
An event to celebrate Alabama’s first national park, 50 years on, features a festival complete with culture and history, Creek hunting camps, military camps, dance, cannon fire demonstrations, exhibits, and more.
For more information visit: www.nps.gov/hobe
Battle of Selma Re-enactment
April
Selma, Alabama
In a classic re-enactment of the Battle of Selma at Battlefield Park, soldiers and cavalry of the Blue and Gray clash once again each year. Cannons roar once again as the Confederate troops defend the breastworks against the Yankee invaders.
Further attractions of the weekend event include a camp dance, grand ball at Sturdivant Hall, and a memorial service.
For more information visit: www.BattleOfSelma.com
ALASKA
Alaska Day Festival
October
Sitka, Alaska
The Alaska Day Festival commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867 on Sitka’s Castle Hill.
The celebration spans four days and includes concerts, a reenactment ceremony, a period costume ball, dances, dinners, contests and a parade.
The festival is held in mid-October each year as the rest of the state celebrates Alaska Day as a state holiday.
For more information visit: www.sitka.org/
ARIZONA
Gathering of the Gunfighters
January
Yuma, Arizona
Outlaws, lawmen, cowboys, saloon gals, townsfolk and a cornucopia of disreputable characters converge in Yuma at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. to relive the legend of the west. The state park that preserves stone cell blocks, a guard tower and other structures dating back to the prison’s 1876 birth. Old West reenactment groups from California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona compete for prizes during the Gathering, with gunfights and other stunts judged on story line and authenticity.
For more information visit: www.azstateparks.com
COLORADO
Santa Fe Trail Festival
June
Trinidad, Colorado
The Santa Fe Trail was a major thoroughfare that bisected the town of Trinidad. Popular with 19th-century pioneers, a stop at Trinidad provided much-needed rest and supplies. The Santa Fe Trail Festival is held in honor of this important pioneer route and features historic reenactments, live entertainment, craft makers, food and a special area where kids can enjoy pony and carnival rides.
For more information visit:
www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org/tdhighlites.html
DELAWARE
Old Dover Days
May
Dover, Delaware
Celebrated since 1933, Old Dover Days is a celebration of the First State’s Capital City and features a parade, maypole dancing, food court, reenactors, walking tours, and free entertainment.
Held on The Green and Legislative Mall, two beautiful outdoor parks in the historic downtown district, traditional elements and new components bring in thousands of visitors each year with attendance reaching more than 15,000.
For more information visit: www.visitdover.com/linksPages/eventodd.html
FLORIDA
Art Deco Weekend Festival
January
Miami Beach, Florida
The Art Deco Weekend® Festival was started in 1976 by the Miami Design Preservation League to attract visitors to Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District and to raise awareness and appreciation of the arts and culture of the Art Deco era (approx. 1925-1945).
In 2007, the festival attracted almost half a million visitors.
Activities include art and crafts, guided tours, musical attractions, annual "Light Up the Drive" opening night parade and "Arf Deco Weekend" dog promenade, food vendors, as well as performances and hands-on events for children.
For more information visit: www.mdpl.org/ADW/2008/adw_welcome.html
GEORGIA
Martin Luther King March & Rally
January
Atlanta, Georgia
Celebrating the life and achievements of the human rights icon and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King Jr, the Atlanta Martin Luther King March and Rally is the largest such holiday celebration in the country.
Marking the birth date of Dr King, the event is held on the Street where he was born.
For more information visit: www.mlkmarchaaar.org
IDAHO
Three Island Crossing
August
Glenns Ferry
Every year, on the 2nd weekend in August, horses and riders follow parts of the original Oregon Trail to reenact a historic pioneer wagon train crossing of the Snake River.
The annual reenactment celebrates the bravery of those early pioneers who made the crossing.
Today, thousands attends the event each year, enjoying a variety of activities including pioneer arts and crafts, musical entertainment, pancake breakfast, mountain man rendezvous, parade, ice cream social, BBQ and black powder shoot.
For more information visit: www.idahoparks.org
INDIANA
Feast of the Hunters’ Moon
September
West Lafayette, Indiana
Ranked as a "Top 100 Event" in North American by the American Bus Association in 2008, the Feast of the Hunters' Moon is a re-creation of the annual fall gathering of the French and Native Americans which took place Fort Ouiatenon, a fur-trading outpost in the mid 1700s.
A tradition for more than 41 years, the feast is held annually in early autumn on the banks of the Wabash River, four miles southwest of West Lafayette.
For more information visit: www.tcha.mus.in.us/feast.htm
MISSISSIPPI
Natchez Spring Pilgrimage
April
Natchez, Mississippi
For five weeks each spring twenty-five late colonial and pre-Civil War town houses, mansions and plantation homes open their doors to local, national and international visitors.
Hosts and hostesses dressed in period costume recount the history of each house and its various owners and occupants. Evening entertainment includes The Historic Natchez Pageant, a brilliant musical production of dancing, historic scenes, and elaborate period costumes.
For more information visit: www.natchezpilgrimage.com
Vicksburg Fall Pilgrimage
October
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Offering a rare glimpse of historic Vicksburg, the Vicksburg Fall Pilgrimage showcases 15 historic homes and churches as they open their doors to guided tours during appointed hours.
Visitors step back in time and relive an era when cotton was king and riverboats tamed the Mighty Mississippi River.
Each Pilgrimage home is privately owned and occupied, with most listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many offer bed and breakfast accommodations by prior arrangement. The homes are impeccably maintained, furnished with period antiques, and still as resplendent as ever.
For more information visit: www.vicksburgpilgrimage.com
MONTANA
Custer’s Last Stand Re-enactment & Little Bighorn Days
June
Hardin & Crow Agency, Montana
In a grand pageant of Montana history, more than 300 reenactors relive the events that led up to what has become known as Custer's Last Stand. The reenactment site is less than 20 miles from where the actual event occurred.
Little Bighorn Days, the renowned four-day festival of ethnic food, exhibits, music, dancing, parades, contests, performances and fun.
For more information visit: www.custerslaststand.org
Living History Program at Nevada City
Memorial Day – Labor Day: weekends
Nevada City & Virginia City, Montana
The Outdoor Living History Museum in Nevada City, Montana, houses one of the largest collections of Old West Artifacts outside the Smithsonian. The site consists of 100, 1863 to early 1900 buildings, and close to 70 living history interpreters.
Living history weekends are held Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend all summer long.
Visitors can relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in Montana and see what the Old West was really like in Nevada City, Montana.
For more information visit: www.montanaheritagecommission.com
Annual Lewis & Clark Festival
June
Great Falls, Montana
This week of Rediscovery is an opportunity to experience an incredible journey through the weathered pages of the daily journals kept by Lewis and Clark; all shared with visitors through presentation, ceremony and guided experience.
Demonstrations, exhibits, and other events continue all week as the history of this 200 year old adventure unfolds.
For more information visit: www.lewisandclarkia.com
NEW JERSEY
Patriots Week in Trenton
December
Trenton, New Jersey
Patriots Week is a celebration honoring Trenton’s unique role in securing victory in the American Revolution. Providing Revolutionary War historians, enthusiasts and casual observers of all ages the perfect opportunity to relive America's quest for independence, Patriots Week takes place at various locations throughout historic Trenton.
Highlight events include the public reading of Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis,” an essay written shortly before the Battle of Trenton that helped rally Americans to the cause of the Revolution, battle reenactments, lectures and walking tours,
For more information visit: www.patriotsweek.com
OKLAHOMA
89er Celebration
April
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Celebrating and commemorating the Land Run of 1889 and the birth of Guthrie, the 89er Celebration offers fun for the whole family and includes a parade, carnival, chuckwagon feed, food and craft vendors, 1889 style baseball game, 5K & 10K run, and window displays. Highlight of the festival, now celebrated for 80 consecutive years, is the 89er Days Parade complete with wagons, buggies, horse riding groups, round up clubs, antique cars and marching bands.
For more information visit: www.89erdays.com
PENNSYLVANIA
Gettysburg National Civil War Battle Reenactment
July
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Re-enactors dressed in Union and Confederate uniforms commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg through living history encampments and battle reenactments.
The event features sutlers, entertainment, special guests, living history village and educational demonstrations.
For more information visit: www.gettysburgreenactment.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
June
Sisseton, South Dakota
Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival features period entertainment and activities in which visitors can observe cavalry, artillery and infantry demonstrations. Held at Fort Sisseton State Park, the festival includes continuous performances of melodramas, musical entertainment, demonstrations, gun drills, period fashion shows and food booths, a grand march and even a costume ball.
For more information visit:
www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/GlacialLakes/FortSisseton.htm
TEXAS
Fiesta San Antonio
April
San Antonio, Texas
Going strong for nearly 120 years, the San Antonio Fiesta began as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since then the fiesta has grown into a celebration of the wide diversity and multicultural history of San Antonio and is today one of the largest festivals in the county.
3.5 million visitors attend more than 100 events at various locations over 10 days. Attractions include a broad spectrum of food, musical genres, the arts, athletic events, parades, parties and more.
For more information visit: www.fiesta-sa.org
WYOMING
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Days
June
Sheridan, Wyoming
115 years on the go, this rollicking Western extravaganza begins with Living History Night with free living history demonstrations, old time children’s games, and fun contests. Highlights of the festival include The Buffalo Bill Days Grand Ball and Grand March on Friday, Pony Express Delivery on Saturday morning, Buffalo Bill’s cowboy band and the Grand Western Parade. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, replicating the original late 1800’s style parade.
The festival concludes with the Buffalo Bill Days Wild West Show featuring Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill with Roman riding, trick roping, six shooters bull whips, stage coaches and a dangerous Pony Express reenactment.
For more information visit: www.buffalobilldays.org
1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous
July
Riverton, Wyoming
Held each year during the first week of July, on the site of the original 1838 Rendezvous, this event features a week-long re-creation of the trappers and traders’ encampment, games of skills, food, dancing and entertainment.
For more information visit: www.1838rendezvous.com
Mountain Man Rendezvous
September
Fort Bridger, Wyoming
The Fort Bridger Rendezvous is a mountain man rendezvous in celebration of the Fur Trade Rendezvous Era that occurred in the Rocky Mountains between 1825-1840. A tradition now for more than 35 years, it is one of the largest mountain man gatherings in the nation.
Highlights include Traders Row featuring 1840s period trade goods with 140 traders, entertainment from bagpipes to violins, Indian dances, face painting, throwing and shooting contest and kids’ contest.
For more information visit: www.fortbridgerrendezvous.net
