This April 30 and May 1-3, 2015 changes are afoot. Jefferson’s 68th Annual Pilgrimage and Civil War Re-enactments, a Naval Battle and a Train Chase. And the tours of historic homes are back; this year four of our historic homes are opening their doors for tours so you can take a peek inside.
Other new things to do while in Jefferson Texas, this the second year for the Naval Battle viewed aboard the historic railroad cars of the train. Seated aboard the train you will experience the Andrews Raid and then stop to view the guns ablaze from both the land and the water while canons fire from the gunboat and troops defend the land all around the train. Each ride will stop to watch the battle; you are right in the middle or the foray. There is no other civil war battle quite like this that I’ve ever heard about.
The street dance on Friday May 1, 2015 downtown is also in its second year; historic attire is encouraged but not required. Everyone is invited and welcome.
All of the other events around town that you have come to love during the weekend are still going to be here too so get in your car and come on over for the day or the whole weekend you won’t be disappointed.
61st Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Play: Thursday April 30th at 7:30 PM – Friday May 1 at 7:30 PM – Saturday May 2 at 5:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Sunday May 3 at 2:00 PM Performances are at the Jefferson Playhouse on the corner of N. Market and W. Henderson St. Tickets $20 Call to reserve your seats 903-665-6075
Living History Day: Friday May 1, 2014
A Day of Learning for school groups, sponsored by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.
The Living History Camps will demonstrate Camp Life and Military Activities and include a train ride aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway as the story of The Andrews Raid unfolds alongside the Big Cypress Bayou. Complete with a gunboat and cannons, the train departs from Diamond Don RV Park on Friday at 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM Special Price for Living History is $3 per student; train ride is $5 per student.
Naval Battle of Port Jefferson and the Great Locomotive Chase a river and land Re-enactment: Saturday May 2nd train begins at 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Sunday May 3rd Narrated Day Tour: 11:30 Ticket price is $15 plus tax; lap children under 4, FREE. Call: 866-398-2038 or 903-665-6400
Ride an antique narrow-gauge steam train and experience the story of The Andrews Raid, the Civil War’s most gripping railroad story. Soldiers from the North and South re-enacting the Great Locomotive Chase and again this year the Naval Battle of Port Jefferson; complete with cannons and gunboat join the battle making it the largest naval Civil War Re-enactment West of the Mississippi.
The Oakwood Cemetery Illumination: Friday May 1st from 7:30 to 10 PM
Street Dance: Friday May 1st at 9 PM to 11 PM downtown in front of The Excelsior House (Free Admission)
68th Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes: Friday May 1 and Saturday May 2, 2015 beginning at 11 AM to 4 PM
Tickets are $20 Adults and Children 12 and under $3.00 available for purchase at the Pilgrimage headquarters; The Excelsior House 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270
Twilight Garden Stroll: Friday May 1st and Saturday May 2nd from 5:30 PM until 7 PM. Stroll through some of the finest yards and gardens in Jefferson.
Sutler’s Emporiums: Friday May 1st thru Sunday May 3rd all around downtown Jefferson
Craft Fair – Heirloom Plant Sale: Friday May 1st and Saturday May 2nd from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday May 3rd from 9 AM to 3PM At the William Perry Park downtown Jefferson
Quilt and Heritage Fiber Arts show: Friday May 1st and Saturday May 2nd from 9 AM to 5 PM View stitched, woven and hooked items from the past and present. At the Jeffersonian Institute building
Parade and Town Skirmish: Saturday May 2nd at 10 AM downtown, usually the re-enactment skirmish is downtown immediately following the parade right on Austin St. DON’T leave downtown before the skirmish!!
Battle for Jefferson a field Re-enactment: Saturday May 2nd at 4 PM and Sunday May 3rd at 1:30 PM – Tickets price $10 each
Battle will take place at Cypress River Ranch located 3 mi. west of downtown Jefferson on F.M. 2208; for more information call 903-200-5787 or 866-319-5470
Buffet Luncheon at the Excelsior House: Saturday May 2nd from 11:30 AM to 2 PM tickets are $14 each. Reservations recommended 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270
Ladies Tea: Saturday May 2nd from 1- 2:30PM Program “What’s Up with that Dress” Period Dress Encouraged. At the Jeffersonian Institute 120 W. Austin
Muskets & Magnolias Ball: Saturday May 2nd at 8 PM Period Dress or Black Tie; Tickets are $15each or $25 a couple. At the Jeffersonian Institute 120 E. Austin
Jefferson Guard Presentation of Colors Re-enactment: Sunday May 3rd at 10 AM in front of the Christ Episcopal Church, 703 S. Main St across from Lions Park
(Admission is FREE)
More detailed information can be found at the Upcoming Events Calendar.
Written by: Tammy & Dave Doriot
