Civil War Days Cancelled Due to ‘Safety Concerns’

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Due to safety concerns, Lake County Forest Preserves is canceling the Civil War Days event scheduled for July 13 and 14, officials said Monday.

"After consulting with local and state law enforcement agencies, we made the decision to cancel the event due to public safety concerns. Our number one concern is the safety of participating Lake County residents and visitors, reenactors and vendors, as well as our staff and volunteers operating the event. They are our top priority," said Ty Kovach, executive director of Lake County Forest Preserves.

Lake County Forest Preserves District President Angelo Kyle questioned the necessity and appropriateness of the event during a recent board meeting, according to a Lake County News-Sun article. He says he’s been to the event in the past and thinks the district’s resources and focus should be on environmental issues and climate change instead of an event that features Civil War images, including a Confederate flag.

“During the past week, there have been many responses to information stemming from a June 11 Forest Preserves board meeting where Civil War Days was discussed. Some of these responses were very concerning,” said John Tannahill, Director of Public Safety for the Lake County Forest Preserves. Forest preserves officials did not elaborate on those concerning statements.

“We consulted with local and state law enforcement agencies that specialize in events like this about the responses. Based on their advice, and in an effort to keep everyone safe, canceling is the best decision,” Tannahill said.

Meant to be an educational event, Civil War Days has taken place at Lakewood Forest Preserves in Wauconda for the past 27 years.

"The tension around the event this year has changed the tone. We are not going to take a risk. It’s our job to protect preserves visitors, and our employees and volunteers," Tannahill said in a statement Monday.

The Forest Preserves provided the following description of this year’s event: “The boom of cannons, the crack of rifles, the galloping of horse hooves welcomes you at the annual Civil War Days encampment. Wander the camps to see soldiers, civilians and tradesmen at work. Watch as union and confederate forces collide in battle. A large-scale battle can be viewed on both Saturday and Sunday.

The event also featured an 1863 Summer Fair, a meet and greet with President Abraham Lincoln, Civil War–era vendors and period crafts, games and a scavenger hunt for kids.

“Vigorous conversations have taken place in the past week at the national, state and local levels, regarding the Civil War Days event. Some of these conversations have led to security concerns. Security concerns must always be taken seriously, making a cancellation of this year’s event the prudent decision,” Kyle said.

Pat will update with more information as it becomes available.