Time traveling

By Andy Diffenderfer

Correspondent

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — As visitors come to town in September to relive the days of the 1860s, they’ll also be able to step back into the early 1900s.

On Sept. 18, Chickamauga is planning a new event in conjunction with the town’s annual War Between the States Day remembrance.

While War Between the States Day will allow visitors to examine life as it may have been during the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, the first Chickamauga Yesteryear Festival will offer views of what the city would have been like between 1900 and 1930.

“What we’re striving to do, and what the merchants are striving for, is a good wholesome family event,” said Chickamauga City Manager John Culpepper.

Jim Hornady of the Chickamauga Downtown Merchants Association said the Yesteryear Festival is meant to be a learning experience, not a place where kids come to bounce on inflatables and have their faces painted.

“We’re celebrating the businesses here in Chickamauga, and we are projecting what Chickamauga is about,” said Hornady, co-owner of the Old Mill General Store downtown. “This is more an educational and historical event. This is a sneak peek of Americana.”

Artisans will be invited to display and demonstrate their crafts at the Yesteryear Festival. Participants, as well as visitors, are encouraged to dress in period attire for the day. Also planned are bands, clogging, a street dance, antique cars and possibly a horse and carriage ride.

“The first year, we’re trying to reach local people and say, ‘Come here, we’ve got something good going on,’” Hornady said. “Let’s create a sanctuary where people can step back in time 70 or 80 years.”

War Between the States Day is a historical classroom of sights and sounds, according to Culpepper, with camp re-enactments and cannon demonstrations among other activities held in remembrance of the Battle of Chickamauga. More than 34,000 soldiers were either killed or wounded in the battle, which occurred Sept. 19-20, 1863.

“This is to celebrate the town’s history,” he said. “We want to present a living history event to commemorate the everyday soldier.”

Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.