The Marion County Historical Society will hold their annual Pioneer Days festival on May 24 and 25 in the Historical Village at the Marion County Park, 402 Willets Dr., Knoxville. This year’s activities will feature a Civil War Reenactment with the Army of the Southwest reenactors. Saturday opens with a pancake breakfast beginning at 7:00. In the morning there will be open camp, drills, a skirmish, and a parade. Lunch will be served starting at 11:30. The afternoon activities include a fashion show, dance, drill, skirmish, and cannon firing at dusk.

In addition to the reenactment Tony Pearson will be in the museum to present a program of Civil War Veterans of Marion County and the effects on Central College. President Lincoln will visit the village sometime during the afternoon. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations of heritage skills in the buildings and goodies for sale at the General Store.

Sunday morning activities begin with a parade at 9:00. At 10:00 the popular Rev. Olympia Brown impersonator will again preside at the Civil War Church service in the Valley Chapel. She will be joined by Abraham Lincoln who will read the Gettysburg Address. Following the service guests are invited to stay for refreshments and visiting.

Free admission to the village during Pioneer Days. The Civil War reenactment is sponsored by the Iowa State Savings Bank and the Marion County Historical Society. For more information contact 641-842-4895 or 641-628-4716.