Thunder in the Park: Historical re-enactment event receives a second donation from Allamakee County Historical Society

A historical re-enactment set for next summer at the Waukon City Park has received additional support.
In early December, the Allamakee County Historical Society presented the Thunder in the Park committee with a second check for $1,000 to help with planning of the two-day event, which will take place in the Waukon City Park Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 2013.
Other sponsors include Waukon State Bank, the Waukon Lions Club, Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank, Veterans Memorial Hospital, Allamakee County Economic Development, Fidelity Bank and the City of Waukon.
Event co-organizer Al Lyon said the event will encompass the time period between the 1760s to the 1860s, with displays of camp life, fashions, military drills and demonstrations. The event is presented by the Allamakee County Historical Society, Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism, the Waukon Chamber of Commerce, Waukon Economic Development Corporation and the Third Iowa Light Artillery.

THE HISTORY
According to Lyon, in 1850, the population of Allamakee County was less than 700 people, but grew to more than 12,000 people by 1860. He said, even though those people may have came from different countries, they came together during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, more than 800 volunteers joined the war effort as individuals or groups or filled the ranks of other companies. The list includes:
• The 1st Iowa Cavalry which fought in Missouri and Arkansas against Quantril and other guerillas
• The 6th Iowa Cavalry which fought in the Dakotas during the Sioux uprising
• The 9th Iowa Cavalry which fought in Arkansas with frequent engagements with guerilla bands
• The 5th Iowa Infantry which fought at New Madrid, Island No. 10, Iuka, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Champion Hills and Mission Ridge
• The 9th Iowa Infantry which fought at Pea Ridge
• The 12th Iowa Infantry Company B which fought at Fort Donaldson and Shiloh. At Shiloh the regiment was outnumbered and surrounded, but fought to buy time for the Union forces to regroup. The Confederates called the fight “The Hornet’s Nest.” Those who weren’t captured were reorganized and fought at Jackson, Vicksburg, Brandon, Tupelo, Nashville and Spanish Fort. They spent 112 days under fire, marched 2,670 miles and traveled another 11,139 miles by rail and steamboat.
• The 27th Iowa Infantry Companies A, B and I fought at Little Rock, the Red River Expedition, Fr. De Russey, Pleasant Hill, Old Oaks, Ditch Bayou, Cane Creek, Tupelo, Nashville, Ft. Blakely, Movile and Spanish Fort, marching 3,000 miles and traveling an additional 10,000 miles by rail and steamboat.

ENTERTAINMENT
The Thunder in the Park committee has spent the last year lining up an authentic period experience that is set to delight the entire family.
Entertainment includes Eric and Susan Sciteds of Faire Wynds Entertainment presenting “Professor Chalmers Bodkin-Childs and his Amazing Patent Medicine and Magic Show,” sponsored by Waukon State Bank. “They will also be performing with their glass harps, as a second show, which is something to hear,” said Lyon.
Bob Welch will perform “Songs and Stories of the Civil War,” and Lance Mack will spend the weekend portraying President Abraham Lincoln. The Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps of St. Charles, MO will demonstrate the marches of 1812. Group members range from just 10 to 17 years old. Their performance is sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank.
Evening activities include a dance (period dress is encouraged) and a cannon night-firing. There will be many interactive and hands-on activities for all ages. In addition, food will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.

THE THUNDER
The “thunder” for which the event is named for will be made by eight or more cannons and the infantry during two battle re-enactments, which will represent the contributions that northeast Iowa soldiers made to the Civil War. The Waukon Lions Club is sponsoring the artillery for the cannons.
One of the two battles depicted will include “The Hornet’s Nest of Shiloh” where the 12th Iowa Infantry Company B and 13 other Union regiments were surrounded and outnumbered by a 10-to-1 ratio, holding off the Confederates for several hours. This gave General Ulysses S. Grant the needed time to reorganize his army, preventing defeat and turning the battle into a victory for the Union the following day.
Anyone interested in becoming a re-enactor or learning more about what is involved can e-mail Lyon at allen.lyon1@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Thunder in the Park Committee is still seeking volunteers to help make the event a success.
In addition, the Committee is seeking individuals or groups who would like to perform or show off their unique skills. Anyone who possesses a skill or performance that would fit into the time period from 1750-1865, such as rope- or candle-making, is encouraged to participate in the event. The Committee is also seeking non-profit organizations or civic groups that are interested in providing food for the weekend’s attendees.
For more information on the requirements for participation in the event, contact Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Dugan at 563-568-4110. Interested individuals can also visit the Facebook page for Allamakee County Thunder in the Park or call 563-568-2624 to find out more information.