Civil War event raises $75,000 for Rotary charities
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers BLOODY BATTLE BEGINS- Civil War reenactors representing the Confederate Calvary prepare to ride into action during a recreation of the battle of Shiloh-First Day at The Blue and the Gray presented by the Moorpark Rotary Club at the Tierra Rejada Ranch on Saturday.

The 1860s returned to Moorpark last weekend as hundreds of Civil War reenactors gathered in the Tierra Rejada Valley to recreate notable battles and portray the lifestyle of the tumultuous era.

The Blue and the Gray Civil War event organized by the Rotary Club of Moorpark provided a thrilling interactive educational opportunity for local students and residents and raised money for several worthy causes.

About 700 reenactors, including 600 men on the field and about 100 family members, came dressed in period costumes.

Although most were from California, some traveled from other states to take part in the event.

"They really have a sincere interest in the Civil War and are enthusiastic about sharing this information with other people," said Cliff Williams, president of the Moorpark Rotary.

RICHARD SINGER Special to the Acorn JOHNNY REBS- Confederate soldiers Taylor Trujillo, left and Andrew Singer both live in Moorpark.

All funds raised from the event are channeled into various local charities as well as Rotary International's project to eradicate polio worldwide.

"It's a win, win situation for everybody," said Williams, also captain of the Moorpark CHP.

About 7,500 people paid to attend the events on Saturday and Sunday, said Lyle Pennington, chairman of fundraising and media for the Rotary Club. He estimated that about $75,000 net will go to charity.

Moorpark students got a preview of the reenactment on Friday before the event opened to the public. About 800 youngsters visited 10 stations featuring different aspects of life and war in the 1860s.

Some reenactors are experts in artillery while others specialize in cavalry, onsite surgery procedures or the maneuvering of the troops. People who are knowledgeable in civilian affairs of the time also come to demonstrate what life was like away from the battlefield, said Williams.

WENDY PIERRO/Wendy Pierro TOOT SUITE- Civil War reenactorJim McKim plays a fife between battles at the Rotary Club's The Blue and the Gray on Saturday at Tierra Rejada Ranch. McKim portrays a member of the Union Army, Company G, 6th regiment U.S. Infantry.

All reenactors use the lan

guage of the Civil War era when they're wearing their costumes.

"The Civil War defined what our country is today," Williams said. Thousands were killed in the conflict that pitted Americans against other Americans.

Families were often divided, he said, when some members went to fight for the Confederate army and others the Union side. While reenactors and visitors enjoyed the Civil War simulation, local Rotary members spent many hours preparing for and hosting the event, which is getting bigger every year.

"It was a huge success," said Pennington.

Organizers set up bleacher seats so the audience could have a bird's-eye view of the battlefield.

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers NORTH AGAINST SOUTH- Above, Thousand Oaks resident Jack Hayes, 9, learns how a lantern works in the 1860s at The Blue and The Gray Civil War reenactment on Saturday at the Tierra Rejada Ranch in Moorpark. Right, a Confederate Calvary reenactor carries the flag onto the field of the battle of Shiloh-First Day. The event was presented by the Rotary Club of Moorpark.

After the last battle, troops lined up in front of the viewing stands to commemorate Veterans Day. Actor Bruce Boxleitner, who rode in the Confederate Cavalry group, read a speech prepared by Moorpark Acorn editor Steve Carlson.

The club's salute to veterans concluded with impersonator Don Ancell, who portrays President Abraham Lincoln, giving "The Gettysburg Address" and local businessman Paul Walker singing "God Bless America."