Chickamauga, GA – Walker County will serve as the setting for several big events the weekend of September 23-24. Visitors will be able to experience what it was like to live during the 1860’s, watch world class athletes compete in a feat of endurance, and enjoy some cool cars while raising funds for area organizations in need.
The public is invited to learn about the Battle of Chickamauga, as reenactors and sutlers bring history to life at the Walker County Business Park, located at 222 Walker County Industrial Drive, LaFayette.
The Battle of Chickamauga was the first major Civil War battle fought in Georgia and with 16,170 Union and 18,454 Confederate casualties, it was the second deadliest battle, after Gettysburg.
Marking the 160th anniversary of the battle, sutlers and reenactors will host school groups on Friday, September 22 and will then open to the general public Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and under. There is an additional $5 parking fee for each vehicle.
Here is the schedule of events:
Saturday, September 23:
9:00am – Gates open
TBD – Reveille
TBD – Army Drill Times
10:00am – Cavalry
11:00am – Ladies Tea at the Activity Tent
2:00pm – Battle
8:00pm – Military Ball
Sunday, September 24:
9:00am – Gates open
TBD – Reveille
10:00am – Church at the Activity Tent
TBD – Army Drill Times
2:00pm – Battle
For more information, visit Chickamauga160.com.
Over 2,400 reenactors and sutlers are expected on site during the three day event. Not too far away, 1,700 athletes from 49 states and 22 countries will be competing in Ironman Chattanooga.
The bicycle portion of the triathalon runs mainly through Walker County, from the foot of Lookout Mountain to McLemore Cove and back up to Chickamauga. The race starts Sunday, September 24 at 7:30 a.m. with the first cyclists entering the county around 8:00 a.m.
Ironman will once again be offering a shuttle for spectators from Ross’s Landing to downtown Chickamauga to view part of the race. A craft market will be set up inside the new common space in downtown Chickamauga, along with a few food vendors, so spectators wont have to go far to eat while they wait for their favorite athlete to ride through.
Meanwhile, the Wildflower & Roses festival welcomes cars, trucks, jeeps and bikes of all kinds. The auto expo takes place at the Walker County Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23. In addition to the auto expo, there will be games, music, face painting, a scavenger hunt and various family activities. A black tie gala and adult prom round out the agenda in the evening. The event serves as a fundraiser for local charities.
Next weekend, drop by the Walker County Civic Center on Saturday, September 30 for the Crafters Fall Festival.
