MANSFIELD — The inaugural Ohio Civil War Show in Ashland featured 60 tables of military memorabilia.
Nearly 50 years later, the two-day event boasts 800 tables for attendees to browse.
Now in its 47th year, the Ohio Civil War and World War I & World War II Show opened Saturday morning at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield. The show — first organized by Don Williams in 1977 — moved from Ashland to the fairgrounds about three decades ago.
Williams’ children, Greg, Wayne and Teresa (Williams) Drushel, have co-managed the show since the passing of their father in 2009.
Despite Saturday’s poor weather, folks still attended the show. It offers something for anyone interested in warfare history, from 1775 to 1945 — including hardcore re-enactors and memorabilia dealers/collectors.
More than 400 exhibitors from 38 states are participating in this weekend’s event. The show includes several demonstrations, as well as living history encampments.
Activities resume Sunday
The show resumes on Sunday at the fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is $8. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is included in the cost of admission.
A church service for re-enactors, exhibitors and the public is set for 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Rain is anticipated again for Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, there is an 80-percent chance of precipitation, with showers and thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m.
Visit the show’s website for a full schedule of demonstrations planned for Sunday.
(Below are photos taken Saturday at the 47th annual Ohio Civil War and World War I & World War II Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds.)
