Celebrate Manatee's early history with a Southern feast of smoked mullet and smoked turkey with all the fixins. Free to the public, food provided by donation
- Old time games (with prizes!)
- Historical re-enactors
- Descendant reunions
John Russell, professional Civil War re-enactor, will perform with a troop representing the 3rd U.S.C.C. (Colored Cavalry), and talk about the roles black soldiers played during the Civil War. Manatee Village was occupied by a regiment of Black Union soldiers in 1864.
Many descendants of Manatee County settlers are expected to attend. Two Manatee Village houses, circa 1860, are featured in the new publication "Florida's Civil War Trail" and are being renovated for eventual use as living history museums.
