COLBERT COUNTY-World War II battles that took place on distant lands will be re-enacted at LaGrange College Site Park May 6-8 during the 29th annual Recall LaGrange Festival.
Louise Lenz, an organizer of the festival, said this year’s festival will feature World War II re-enactments by a Midwest-based Marine re-enactment group.
“For years, we have had Civil War re-enactors portraying life in the LaGrange area during all phases of the war, including the end of the war,” Lenz said. “This year, we wanted to do something different and focus on the history of World War II. Everyone that lived here during the 1940s was touched by World War II. It’s a very important part of American history. These re-enactments will provide a glimpse of the battles our Marines fought in the Pacific.”
The re-enactors will also recreate battles from the Seven Years War, the Revolutionary War and The War on Terror.
The festival, sponsored by the LaGrange Living Historical Association, will also pay homage to LaGrange College, the first state chartered college in Alabama which became the University of North Alabama, and to LaGrange Military Academy, that was burned during the Civil War. Both were located at what is now LaGrange College Site Park, near Leighton.
The annual festival includes artists and craftsmen displaying and selling their wares and living history demonstrations. Concessions will be available. The festival is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 6 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 7. School Day is Friday, May 5.
Lenz said is expecting another large crowd. “We have people from all over come to the festival every year.”
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of Colbert County Tourism, said Recall LaGrange is an excellent event for families and a great way to learn about the history of the Shoals and America.
Admission is free for Recall LaGrange. Donations are welcomed.
LaGrange College Site Park is located off of Alabama 157 at 1491 LaGrange College Road, Leighton. For more details about the festival call Lenz at 256-446-9324 or Colbert County Tourism at 256-383-0783.
