MANSFIELD — History buffs will have a front-row seat to Americaās military past when the 48th Annual Ohio Civil War Show returns to the Richland County Fairgrounds on May 2ā3, offering one of the largest hands-on historical events in the country, just weeks before the nationās 250th anniversary.
The two-day show, which also encompasses the Revolutionary War and World Wars I and II, features living history encampments, artillery demonstrations, and more than 750 tables of authentic military memorabilia spanning 1775 to 1945.
Organizers call it the largest quality event of its kind in the United States.
More than 450 exhibitors from 38 states will buy, sell, trade and display uniforms, weapons, books, photographs, prints, paper goods and period apparel.
In conjunction with the main show, the 33rd Annual Artillery Show will display full-size cannons, limbers, caissons and mortars ā the only event of its kind in the country covering every major American conflict from the Revolution through World War II.
Cannon-firing demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A special weapons demonstration is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Living history encampments will give visitors an up-close look at soldiersā daily lives:
- A 1776 Revolutionary War camp with drills, musket firing and colonial cooking
- Civil War hospital scenario featuring a soldier amputation reenactment
- 41st and 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) encampments
- World War II camps with U.S. and German soldiers, vehicles and demonstrations
- 36th U.S. Infantry Division and 100th JƤger German Unit displays
- 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron presentation
- Archival Arms exhibit with full mannequins and gear from Vietnam through World War II
- Marlboro Volunteers Mobile Museum walk-through trailer
Daily educational talks will be presented by portrayers of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Gen. George S. Patton.
Music performances include the Camp Chase Fife and Drum on Saturday and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band on Sunday.
A Civil War period church service is planned for Sunday morning, along with Sutlerās Row offering reproduction goods and apparel.
Admission is $8 for general public, $5 for veterans and free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. Parking is included. The fairgrounds are handicap accessible, and food trucks will be on site.
The show runs Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ohiocivilwarshow.com or email OCWS@zoominternet.net.