MANSFIELD – People from all over the United States are in Mansfield this weekend for the 40th annual Ohio Civil War and World War I & II Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
The show features just under 400 exhibitors from 38 different states and more than 700 tables lined with military collectibles for sale, trade or display. The event is held jointly with the 25th annual Artillery Show, which displays cannons, guns and other equipment from 1775 to 1945.
Among the crowds of visitors was Abraham Lincoln, played by 78-year-old Gerald “Jerry” Payne of Wooster, who stands 6 feet, 4 inches tall, the same height as the former president.
“I’ll never forget how amazed I was the first time I was here by all the things, all the stuff there is,” said Payne, who first attended the show in the early 2000s.
He’s seen the event change over the years, explaining that it started as a Civil War show, but has grown to encompass other wars, too. He presents the Gettysburg Address at noon Sunday at the Fairgrounds.
A retired teacher, Payne began playing Lincoln in 1999, dressed in a costume made by his wife.
“I like seeing the reaction of people, especially children,” he said, before he was interrupted by a parent who wanted to take a photo for her daughter — who is learning to recite the Gettysburg Address at school.
One of the many displays at the show is the Marlboro Volunteer Traveling Museum, which offers a walk-through tour through the back of a truck. It features historical items dating from the Revolutionary War to the present.
“We strictly exist to honor those who have served, who are serving or will serve,” said Marlboro Volunteer president, Mark Turner.
Attendees will also be able to see reenactments like Civil War hospital service scenarios. The hospital reenactments are presented by the Society of Civil War Surgeons at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Living history encampments will offer a look inside authentic camps, with firing, drill and cooking demonstrations throughout the day.
Cannon firing demonstrations and civil war infantry demonstration are held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
An outdoor church service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday morning. People are asked to gather near the flagpole.
Music is provided by the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corp and 73rd OVI Regiment Band. The 73rd OVI Regiment Band will perform at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $7 for adults and free for children under age 12 when accompanied by an adult. Parking is included without charge. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
