The annual Laurel Hil Arts and Heritage Festival is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 29 on the grounds of the historic Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, located at 8115 Fourth St. Admission to the festival is free and parking will be available at the Laurel Hill School track on the corner of Fourth and Park Avenue.
Brian Hughes, festival chairman, has shared the following information:
A Civil War encampment complete with an authentically costumed re-enactor is part of the event. The re-enactor will demonstrate the typical soldier's equipment and talk about being in battle and patrol, and he will have demonstrations of firing a Civil War-era rifle. Along with the Civil War re-enactment, a mid-19th century school room presentation will feature a costumed schoolteacher showing books and materials of that day. She will answer questions about school in that time period. These will both be great history lessons for the homeschooled students in our area.
Crestview Boy Scout Troop 773 will set up a modern scout camp, which can be compared to the Civil War camp. The Scouts will also offer their delicious cobbler, which the boys bake themselves in a Dutch oven over a campfire.
There will be demonstrations of different types, as well as crafters and artisans such as Dannis Young, a wood artisan from Crestview who uses discarded native woods to turn bowls, vases and other creations. A variety of other crafters will display and sell their wares, as well as an abundance of homemade baked goods, including jams and jellies.
There will be plenty of musical entertainment this year. Aaron Overton and the Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums will once again perform at the festival. They have both been at every festival since October 2009. Other musical guests include the Wesley Boys; Scott Hicks, a Christian vocalist and guitarist; and Doug Black, a Crestview High school student. A wide variety of talent will make an enjoyable day.
Vendors are providing food and drinks for purchase.
Come out and join the fun and enjoy a great day learning some new crafts and historical facts, as well as listening to some great music.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Enjoy the Laurel Hill Arts and Heritage Festival