Parkersburg resident Julien Malloy, left, and Columbus residents Jaxton, center, and Kaitlin Eichenlaub watch as a cannon is fired during a Civil War reenactment at the 2023 Pioneer Days in Wirt County outside Elizabeth. (File Photo)

ELIZABETH — The Elizabeth Beauchamp Chapter of the Daughters of American Pioneers is hosting the 21st Annual Wirt County Pioneer Vendor Day on Saturday around the Wirt County Courthouse Square in Elizabeth.

This community event, held to bolster the historical knowledge of Wirt County’s past, will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday with a full day of live entertainment, historical tours, contests and a variety of local food and vendor booths. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy everything from homemade crafts to family-friendly activities.

The Opening Ceremony begins at 9 a.m., featuring the Riding in Faith & Friends Horse Show Ministry, the National Anthem performed by Erica Lockhart and an opening prayer led by Jon Larrison.

Food and vendor booths will be open throughout the day, offering everything from baked goods to handcrafted items.

A Civil War skirmish is also scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. It will be held near the Ladies’ Tea Tent, where the Civil War Ladies will serve light refreshments and demonstrate their sewing (tatting) skills.

On Sunday visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Civil War camp and experience “A Day in the Life of a Civil War Soldier.” The camp opens at 9 a.m. and visitors will be transported to a time of valor and bravery, where they can meet with reenactors, hear their stories and gain insight into the daily lives of soldiers.

At noon attendees are invited to enjoy an Open Pit Pig Roast, free to all participants, before the Civil War Reenactment at 2 p.m. Civil War infantry and artillery units will engage in a field battle, bringing history to life.

Civil War reenactment units include: Carlin’s Battery “D” 1st WV Light Artillery (cannon), Byrnes Battery, Co. “D” (cannons), 1st VA Cavalry, 9th Texas Cavalry, 17th VA Cavalry, Co. F (Nighthawk Rangers), 19th VA Cavalry, and Co. A (Moccasin Rangers).

This will be a chance for attendees to visit with soldiers and examine their cannons, equipment and uniforms up close.

The field is located at the intersection of Routes 5 and 14. There will be parking available and it is advised to bring lawn chairs for comfort.

The historic Little Kanawha Inn will also be offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past. The inn, which dates back to 1800, played a significant role in the division of Virginia and the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War era, David Kanalz, whose family owns the inn said. Though the inn has been closed, Kanalz is excited to open its doors and share its storied history with the community.

“We’ll have the bedrooms set up with period furnishings, including rooms dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and George Washington,” he said. “Visitors will be able to see the exposed log construction and learn about the inn’s role in our state’s founding.”

In addition to the historical exhibits, he said an Amish couple will be serving homemade cookies, and there will be craft vendors selling items like apple butter and honey. He said guests can also expect to see people in period costumes roaming the grounds. He said the nearby museum will also be open, providing additional opportunities to explore the area’s history.

“This is a really special event for our community,” Kanalz said. “It’s a chance to celebrate our heritage and the sacrifices that were made to create West Virginia. We hope people will come out and enjoy the festivities.”

The schedule includes:

Opening Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m.

Live Bands and Cloggers:

* 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Lisa Cottrell

* 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Junction 144

* Noon-1 p.m. – Neon Moon

* 1-1:30 p.m. – Mountain River Cloggers

* 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Ridgeline

Historical Tours:

* 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Beauchamp Museum

* 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Morgan McClung House

* 9-11 a.m. – Little Kanawha Hotel (limit 20)

* 1-3 p.m. – Little Kanawha Hotel (limit 20)

Other Activities:

* 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Civil War Ladies Tea Tent (museum lawn)

* 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Kids crafts, bounce house, kids tattoos (museum lawn)

* 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Amish food and crafts (Little Kanawha Hotel)

* 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Dow Ras Farms petting zoo (Roberts Lot)

* 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Car show – register at 9 a.m. with judging at 11 a.m. (high school lot)

* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Pumpkin contest – register at 10 a.m. with judging at 11 a.m.

* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Rock painting contest – register at 10 a.m. with judging at Noon

* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Quilt show -register Fri. 4 – 6 p.m. and Sat. 8:30 – 9 a.m.

* 3:30 p.m. – Civil War skirmish (field across from the courthouse)

The artist demonstrations will include: antique engines display, apple butter making, bagpiper, basket weaver, blacksmith, broom weaver, crochet, fur display, pottery, Pomroy antique wooden hearse exhibit, and wool weaver.

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com