Crowds keep coming for Entertainment, Great Fun and Living History.

March 23rd & 24th, 2013 marks the 20th Annual Battle at Narcoossee Mill War Between the States battle enactment.  Everyone is invited out to enjoy the newly expanded grandstand viewing of the battle, shop the wares of period merchants known as “sutlers”, visit authentic military camps, and hear live performances of period music as well as many other activities as they step back in time to 1864.

This year’s special entertainer, Hank Mattson, is the poet laureate of Florida cracker cowboy poetry. The 2011 winner of the Laura Rider award for Florida Folk poetry, Mattson performs costumed as a pre and post War Between the States Florida cow hunter.  His dramatic and humorous deliveries leave listeners alternately in tears of tenderness and laughter. Mattson’s original tales in verse also touch upon great losses Florida has experienced through “progress”.  His material is drawn on his personal experiences as a pioneer-rooted Florida cowboy as well as on historical accounts of famed Florida pioneers such as Jacob Summerlin and Bones Mizell.  Hank uses his own works and those of turn-of-the-century punchers to chronicle and preserve the life and times of the many Florida folks who for over 400 years have been workin’ cattle.

Through the generous support of Osceola County, the Jacob Summerlin Camp, SCV #1516 has been bringing this great annual event to Chisholm Park for most of its 20 years, as well as the Friday Education Day events for school children. The Ralph V. Chisholm Park is on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga at 4700 Chisholm Park Trail 34771, just off Narcoossee Road (SR-15) between US-192 and SR-417.

The Battle at Narcoossee Mill is recognized by spectators and re-enactors alike as one of the most enjoyable battle reenactments. Parking is still FREE, and portions of Osceola County’s premier park will still be open to the public free of charge. However, to view any of the battle-related areas and activities a modest charge of $5 per adult, $3 per child 11-5 years of age is charged.  The battle commences at 2:00 both Saturday and Sunday, but come any time after 10:00am to see and enjoy all this annual event has to offer.

Attendees will want to purchase some of the famous jumbo pulled pork sandwiches that the Jacob Summerlin Camp barbeques on site.   Admission and BBQ proceeds help support the civic and charitable activities of the Camp.

If you would like more information or would like to become a sponsor, please go to www.JacobSummerlin.org  where some of the many civic and charitable activities of the Camp are listed, or learn more about the required pre-registration for Friday school groups.