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By Lance Gaither

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

The city of Perryville celebrated the 161st anniversary of the historic Civil War battle last weekend.

“It’s a fun day in Perryville, lots of folks are out and lots of things happening. We have activities all day,” said Kendal Clinton, executive director of the Danville-Boyle County Tourism Commission.

Saturday festivities kicked off with a parade followed by pageants, a performance by the Jessamine County Heel Tappers, street fighting by battle reenactors and more. Click here to watch a video.

“Commemoration is going great,” said Main Street Perryville executive director Aly Huff. “Last night we had the Bourbon Chase come through and we have tons of vendors. We had the parade this morning, people are just out here eating and are really happy. We have had about 1000 people so far. It has been full.”

Reenactments of the battle are a key part of the commemoration. Maj. Robert Smith and Pvt. Everett Brewer are part of the Sixth Kentucky Confederate Infantry. Smith has a personal connection to the historic battle and division he portrays.

“It was part of the First Kentucky Orphan Brigade,” Smith said. “The reason I’m in this unit is I found out that my third great-uncle fought and died in the exact unit I portray as a reenactor.”

It was Brewer’s first time as a reenactor, something he has wanted to do since childhood.

“I have been studying history since fourth grade. I have always wanted to be a reenactor,” Brewer said. “What really got me going was seeing all the guys fighting last year I deiced that I really wanted to do it.”