BY JENN SAMSEL
Despite the cold weather, windy conditions, and beautiful sunshine, people flocked from all over to relive history.
Celebrating its 19th year, the Yesterday’s Festival at the Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park attracted over 900 attendees. Families had the opportunity to see cannons and muskets, meet Civil War reenactors, and learn about the history of the Confederacy.
The event took place on Saturday, January 31.
It began with a performance by the Keystone Heights Junior-Senior High School J.R.O.T.C., followed by a demonstration of the cannon firing. The band performance from KHHS, tram tours, a silent auction, and a display of historic weapons followed this. The winners of the silent auction were also announced at the end of the event.
There were many activities, including wood sawing and cutting, demonstrations of old equipment such as tractors, well machines, and milk machines; Civil War reenactments; wood toys; cooking over an open fire; various food vendors; and tram rides.
“I was pleasantly surprised that so many people came out to learn about Florida’s pioneer history. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the various displays, and I saw a lot of interaction between the vendors and patrons,” said Bree McGhee, Corresponding Secretary / Social Media Manager, Clay County Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
The Third Florida Company CSA delivered a remarkable performance reenacting the Civil War and discussed its history.
