Fourth annual "Thunder in the Park" set for June 11-12 in Waukon City Park

The fourth annual "Thunder in the Park" event will be held in the Waukon City Park Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12. Confederate and Union camps will transform the peaceful rolling hills of the park into a living photograph of the past.

Attendees of the event will be able to talk with men, women and children in the camps who bring the past to life by portraying families affected by this country’s battle with itself. One might even catch a glimpse of President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Lance Mack, as he strolls through the park.

The Patent Medicine and Magic Show of Professor Chalmers Bodkin-Childs includes snake oil being transformed into a healing elixir. A bit of sleight of hand and magic tricks also make up that hour-long show.

The "Thunder in the Park" event will also feature Civil War weapons demonstrations, tours of horse drawn carriages, and a presentation on women in the Civil War, including their participation on the battle field and clothing for battle, daily life and special occasions. Throughout the weekend there will be ongoing events such as the weapons displays, military drills and medical demonstrations. Kids games will feature “graces”, “quiots”, and dolls made from fabric scraps, all of which are participation events.

Cannons will “thunder” through reenactments of Civil War battles, demonstrating military skirmishes, victories and defeats, and how doctors treated the wounded at field hospitals. Other scheduled events include the Saturday Evening Dance featuring Western Home String Band, Cannon Night Fire, a presentation by Lance Mack and Jessica Michna as President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and more.

The event is free to the public, and is funded entirely by donations. All donations, greatly appreciated, go toward next year’s event. For more information about this year’s event or to make a donation call 563-568-3807 or go to Facebook “Allamakee County Thunder in the Park.”