Battle of Aiken comes to life again

Blue coats and gray coats will clash once again this weekend as The Battle of Aiken reenactment kicks off.

This year marks the 145 anniversary of the historic battle which was fought, quite literally, on Richland Avenue in Aiken and the 15th anniversary of the reenactment. Spectators and reenactors alike will converge on the fields off Powell Pond Road and take part in the recreation of Joe Wheeler and his Confederate troops' campaign against Gen. Judson Kilpatrick and his Union men.

"We expect this to be a great weekend," said organizer Pete Peters. "We expect to have 10,000 to 15,000 people over three days. With this being the 15th anniversary of the reenactment, we will see a large turnout of soldiers."

Friday is a school day, but gates will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Events during the day include Confederate camp tours, lectures and programs, battle amputation scenarios and cannon fire demonstrations. On Saturday, part one of The Battle of Aiken begins at 2:30 p.m. Part two of the battle will begin at the same time Sunday.

At 1 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, author David Chaltas will portray Robert E. Lee. "Lee" will be joined by members of his staff such as Gen. Stonewall Jackson, Gen. Pete Longstreet and Gen. A.P. Hill. The generals will dress in authentic reproductions of the uniforms worn by the actual generals during the war.

"(Chaltas) does an incredible portrayal of Lee," Peters said.

"Civil War history in general is called the 'Iliad' in America," he added. "There is a connection to the war because it was fought here."

The Battle of Aiken will be held rain or shine, but inclement weather should not be too much of a problem this weekend.

Forecasters are calling for a high of 58 degrees Saturday and sunny skies. There is a 30 percent of showers Sunday with a high of 47 degrees.

Spectators are advised to bring blankets, quilts or lawn chairs to sit on to watch the battle reenactments.

Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for adults at the gate. Ages 5 and under are free. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Advance tickets can be purchased through today at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Oreck Vacuums at Augusta Exchange and at Bobby's Barbecue on U.S. Highway 1. Parking is free.

For more information, call 641-1111 or visit www.battleofaiken.org.