The Siege at Bridgeport, the largest historical reenactment in Alabama of the Civil War, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend, and everybody is invited.

This year's reenactment takes place as part of the war's 150th anniversary.

Bridgeport, a strategic location during the Civil War because of its proximity to both a rail line and the Tennessee River, was controlled by the Confederacy during the early part of the war. However, Union forces took the town in a battle in April of 1862. In the later years of the war, it became a shipyard and shipping center for the Union Army. Bridgeport was where federal forces built several ships that aided in breaking the siege of Chattanooga in November 1863.

The event will be brought to life by almost 1,500 reenactors. It will also feature an authentic Civil War encampment and vendors of Civil War-era objects and clothing.

There will be an evening ball and social today, featuring the 5th Alabama Regimental Band playing and calling the dance.

The reenactment is sponsored by individuals and companies including the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, as well as government entities such as the Town of Kimball, City of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Police Department, Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Any profits will go to the preservation of local history.