PHILLIPSTON — About a mile past Red Apple Farm in the fields off of Highland Avenue, residents have the chance to take a trip back in time this weekend for a local Civil War re-enactment.
Organized by Phillipston resident Mike Flye, reenactors are set to come from all over, some far away as Ohio, while others are heading south from New Hampshire, to partake in a free two-day reenactment complete with a camp-out and mock battle for the public to watch. Flye said this will be the third year the event has taken place at 555 Highland Ave.
A self-proclaimed history lover, Flye has participated in reenactments for about 17 years, his first being at Fort Adams in Newport, R.I., after visiting an event previously held in Templeton.
“I met some reenactors (in Templeton) and they asked me if I wanted to give it a try … I got hooked on it and started out as a private, worked my way up through the ranks and now I am an officer,” he said.
About 125 reenactors will be at the event, said Flye, with live cannon demonstrations, battles and encampments. The reenactors will also camp out during the weekend. Residents can see how men and women lived during Civil War time — from cooking to playing games, said Flye.
“We are teaching history to people in a different way — it is more of a visual teaching … people can experience it,” he said.
As a longtime reenactor Flye also said the events allow him to learn more about the war’s history.
“People ask you questions and if you can’t answer you point them to someone else, but you then also look into it yourself, too,” he said.
The event lasts from Saturday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 26, and opens up to the community at 9 a.m. Flye said battles will take place both days at 1 p.m. The event is free to attend and those interested will have the opportunity to speak with guests and ask questions about the Civil War.