Get fired up for the summer early this year as the Ulster American Folk Park host their famous American Independence Celebrations. From Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th July, the museum will be bursting with entertainment for all the family as thrilling re-enactments from the American Civil War take centre stage at the popular visitor attraction.
The spectacular re-enactment follows the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia as they cross into Pennsylvania foraging for supplies. Discover what life was like in July 1864 when the war was reaching its climax in places such as Gettysberg, Virginia & Port Hudson, Missouri. Visitors can walk around the army encampments and experience their living conditions, mingle with the soldiers finding out what weaponry was used. Visitors will have to be on the look out for the Union corporal though who’s recruiting anyone he can get and of course take cover when those dramatic skirmishes begin!
There are also a range of other exciting activities taking place over the five-day extravaganza including Punch and Judy shows, dramatic readings from the Declaration of Independence, traditional American games and live bluegrass, jazz and folk music. This includes performances from crowd pleaser, musician and singer Tom Sweeney with his fun filled sing-along shows for kids while for older visitor’s charismatic performer James Huish & his Swing Band will perform dulcet renditions of ‘Rat Pack’ classics. Also returning to the museum to help with the 2007 celebrations will be the exciting and talented, Keili Kids. This popular group of young fiddlers and singers from the USA have performed on stage with Seamus Connolly, Irish Grand Champion Fiddler and with Grammy Award winning Jay Ungar & Molly Mason.
A full programme of each of the day’s activities are available on line so log on to “http://www.folkpark.com” www.folkpark.com or telephone 028 8224 3292 to plan your visit.