What: A Civil War Festival and Living History Event
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 30-31, 2016, Gates open at 10am and close at 5pm
Where: Renningers Twin Markets at 20651 US-441, Mt. Dora, FL 32757
How: A group of Civil War re-enactors and merchanants come to Mt. Dora once a year to put on this event.
Why: The Battle of Townsend’s Plantation is a fictional civil war battle that is re-enacted on the grounds of the Renninger’s Twin Markets in Mount Dora. To educate the public and to remember all of who have fought in the Civil War.
Who: This event is open is the public. General Festival Admission is $6.00 for adults and Children 12 and under are $4.00
Parking: Free parking near event area
Overview of the Event: The event is sponsored by Attorney Clay Townsend. The Battle of Townsend’s Plantation started over 25 years ago in Apopka with other Civil War buffs on the grounds of Townsend’s Plantation, a historic restaurant mansion he owned and operated in the 1980s. The structure is now owned by the city of Apopka. The battle now takes place on over 100 acres behind the Renninger’s Twin Market and Antique Mall. The Battle of Townsend’s Plantation is the host event for the 37th Alabama Regiment Co. H.
The event features live Civil War re-enactments, living history exhibits, folk music, weaponry demonstration, authentic camps and sutlers, full scale artillery, cavalry and soldiers in period dress and weaponry, Civil War period-dress-required ball and more.
With good weather visitors may see up to 1000 Union and Confederate soldiers bringing history to life. People can watch demonstrations of weapons and hear the booms of full-scale artillery. Thrill at the charge of cavalry soldiers on powerful steeds. In addition to the centerpiece battle, living history exhibits, folk music, period camps and a period-dress-required ball round out the experience. This is a great educational experience for all ages!
Sight and Sounds of this Event: When you drive onto the property of Renningers in Mt. Dora you will notice two buildings one on the North and one on the Southside. Drive on a path between both buildings until you see rows of cars parked for the Civil War Festival.
When walking through the gates of the The Battle of Townsend’s Plantation, you will notice many civil war era tents with merchandise and historical artifacts. Some Civil War merchandise are reproductions. Most vendors take cash but a few may take credit cards. There are some unique items you cannot buy in any stores. Some items are hand made.
On the battlefield, there are a few cannons set-up on display and used on the Civil War Re-enactment. You are welcome to view these cannons and other items on display before the battle starts.
For a good seat of the Civil War re-enactment battle come early to reserve your spot and don’t bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on. Another item I recommend bring is earplugs and or noise canceling earmuffs. Some parts of the battle have guns and canons going off. It is not recommended to you’re your dog to this Civil War Battle because of loud noises might frighten your dog.
During the Civil War Re-enactment Battle, the battlefield is block off for the safety of the general public so the Union Soldiers and Confederate Soldiers can move around. A long the viewing area you will see up and close action of how the soldiers found one anther. It is unknown who will win the battle. This is decided behind closed tents before the battle re-enactment. Just remember to bring your camera to get some good Civil War photos
At the end of the battle, there is a meet and greet with all of the Civil War Re-enactors. Plus, some of the wounded soldiers that are taking to the triage area with the hospital tent to get some medical treatment. A warning to all spectators who watch this battlefield surgery, there are scenes of blood and body parts getting amputated. This may not be suited for small children to see.
After seeing everything this event it will conclude a long and fun day. For more information on this event go to: www.battleoftownsendsplatation.com
