Civil War Reenactment - Brooksville Raid Coming to Brooksville, Florida January 21st and 22nd, 2012

Civil War Reenactment - Brooksville Raid Coming to Brooksville, Florida January 21st and 22nd, 2012

This weekend, the 32nd Annual Civil War Reenactment of the Brooksville Raid will take place at the Sandhill Scout Reservation located on US 50, Cortez Blvd, in Brooksville, Florida.

This annual event is sponsored by the Hernando Historical Museum and the North Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club. The Brooksville Raid is the largest Civil War battle re-enactment in Florida with more than 1500 re-enactors. Participating reenactors come from all across the United States bringing horses, cannons, and equipment, and often the entire family will be playing a part.

As a spectator, there is a lot to see and do at an reenactment. There are the soldier camps, complete with tents, guns, camp fires and everything else that soldiers needed in the field.

Then there is a large "shopping area" - sutlers or merchants - travelling along the reenactors and selling everything from munition to boots and straps and even some Civil War fineries for the ladies!

Finally, there are food vendors not only to feed the reenactors but also the crowd of people visiting and watching the activities. Food and drink items include a variety of fare that is true to the era as well as modern foods and refreshments.

If you've been to an reenactment before and maybe even this one, just be prepared for something new each year! I've been going to this event almost every year since living in this area and it is never exactly the same.

I took this little video at last's year event when a special battle was performed in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Manassas. It's one of the first videos I've attempted up to that date and shows the troops entering the battle field: