A record number of re-enactors, more than 100 students and perfect weather combined for a great weekend for Belle Plaine’s Weekend of Living History. The sixth annual “Battle for the Bridge” at Franklin Park drew 160 Civil War re-enactors from throughout the Midwest. Many of them were camped in the park by Friday and presented several seminars on life and battle during the Civil War era to students from several area schools.

On Saturday, the afternoon battle was preceded by Union and Confederate drills in the park and a morning parade of colors down Main Street. Following the afternoon battle, which featured infantry, cavalry and cannon troops, an actor portraying Abraham Lincoln addressed the crowd. Saturday night there was a Civil War Ball at the park.