GET OUT!: Shiloh battle anniversary, First Ladies Luncheon highlight this weekend's events

STAFF REPORTS
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The National Park Service Visitor Center at Shiloh Battlefield is scheduled to undergo construction work to remove and replace old tile flooring and carpeting.
The National Park Service Visitor Center at Shiloh Battlefield is scheduled to undergo construction work to remove and replace old tile flooring and carpeting.
Memorial Day observances in West Tennessee will include one at Shiloh National Cemetery.
Memorial Day observances in West Tennessee will include one at Shiloh National Cemetery.

Shiloh National Military Park will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the battle by offering a variety of real-time hikes and interpretive programs all weekend.

Living historians will present cannon firing demonstrations featuring a full four-gun Confederate battery.

“2022 is the 160th anniversary of several historic events in the area including: the Battle of Shiloh, the Siege of Corinth, and the October Battles of Corinth and Davis Bridge. We invite everyone to join us in a year-long commemoration of these and other important Civil War actions. The Shiloh battle anniversary activities will be our first signature event for 2022, and we invite everyone to come out to the park and remember the epic battle and the Americans who fought here in 1862,” said Park Superintendent Allen Etheridge.

Park rangers will lead hikes and all access car caravan tours Thursday and Friday, on a variety of subjects, from general battle overviews to actions at specific locations. The hiking tours are limited to 45 participants each, and the auto tours limited to 10 vehicles each, so the park asks that interested individuals pre-register for hikes and tours by calling the Shiloh Visitor Center.

Registered participants should meet the guides at the appointed sites and times and are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain. Visitors attending more than one hike are encouraged to have food and water available. Insect repellent and sunscreen is also recommended.

On Saturday and Sunday, National Park Service personnel and volunteers will present cannon firing demonstrations in Duncan Field. This year, the artillery crews will be firing four 6-pounder field pieces deployed as a full Confederate battery.

“During the Civil War, the regulation Confederate battery was to consist of four guns,” said Etheridge, “although many units did not follow these regulations.”

On Saturday, the cannon firing demonstrations will take place at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. On Sunday, the cannon firing demonstrations will take place at: 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm. Duncan Field is located between Tour Stops #3 and #4 on the battlefield auto tour route.

Entrance to the park and participation in all anniversary events is free to the public.

For more information on this and other events taking place at Shiloh in 2022, call the park’s Visitor Center at 731-689-5696 or go to the website at www.nps.gov/shil for a complete schedule of tours.

The 2019 First Ladies' Luncheon presented by the Women's Leadership Council of United Way of West Tennessee was held at Jackson Fairgrounds Park on Thursday, April 11.
The 2019 First Ladies' Luncheon presented by the Women's Leadership Council of United Way of West Tennessee was held at Jackson Fairgrounds Park on Thursday, April 11.

Thursday

First Ladies Luncheon: The First Ladies’ Luncheon serves as United Way of West TN’s largest annual fundraising event, drawing large crowds each year to highlight the incredible work of women in the West Tennessee community. As a TableScapes Event presented by United Way of West TN Women’s Leadership Council, sponsors purchase a table and decorate it, gleaning inspiration from nearly any source imaginable. The 9th Annual First Ladies’ Luncheon will take place indoors at the Jackson Fairgrounds on Thursday from 12-1pm. This year’s guest speaker will feature Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms.

Saturday

MHDS Garage Sale: Madison Haywood Developmental Services staff will have booths at their location at 38 Garland Drive in Jackson featuring their own items and make their own transactions with purchasers. Up to 30 vendors offer thrift items, craft creations, a little bit of everything to see and purchase! It is all indoors in a controlled environment. Parking is available on the East side of the location. Come to the West side of the building to enter the garage sale. There will be directional signs. It starts at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, call 731-664-0855.

Baby Animal Festival: Donnell Century Farms (3720 US Highway 70 East just outside Jackson) will host its Baby Animal Festival with lots of baby animals to feed and cuddle. Attractions include baby animals, photos Easter Bunny, non-stop egg hunt for children ages 2-12, photo opportunities, Slide Mountain, low ropes course, candy cannon, bee zipline, playground, jumping pillow, corn hole and cornado swing. Concessions will be available too. The event is open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday

Heaven’s Cradle Crawfest: Besso’s in Henderson (112 West Main Street) is hosting a shrimp and crawfish boil with all proceeds going to support Heaven’s Cradle. Event starts at 5 p.m., and tickets are $30.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: GET OUT!: Shiloh battle anniversary, First Ladies Luncheon highlight this weekend's events