Look out for cannonballs: town of Westport comes alive Saturday

Westport history will come alive this weekend with cannon fire, drills in formation and stories of the old days and the Civil War.

Here’s more from the Westport Historical Society.

You, your family, and friends are invited to join the Westport Historical Society, the Battle of Westport Museum, Kelly’s Irish Brigade, and the Kansas City Missouri Parks Department for a day of living history on Saturday, July 20, from 10 am to 4 pm.

This family friendly event is presented as part of the annual “Party in the Park” event, and will be held on a portion of the Battle of Westport Battlefield located at 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO.

Re-enactors in military uniforms will fire cannons and guns, drill in formation, and make charges on horseback (horses will be present if weather permits). Take a walk through the soldiers’ encampment and see how they lived when they weren’t fighting on the field. Sit around a campfire and hear stories of the old days in Westport and the struggles of a Civil War. Visit the town folk of Westport and listen to period music, which will be presented throughout the day, and watch dancers as they demonstrate 19th century dances. Talk with military doctors as they explain how they cared for the sick and injured, and view the exhibits of medical equipment.

The Battle of Westport Museum will be open for viewing of the exhibits and two short films will be shown. Tours of the battlefield will be offered at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

There is no charge, so bring the entire family and enjoy a day in the park. Please note, the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum will be closed on that day.

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