Friday, March 29, 2024

Bicentennial celebration in Vienna this weekend

Johnson County was declared a county on September 14, 1812. This week marks the 200 anniversary of the formation of this county.

The Johnson County Bicentennial Planning Committee will host a bicentennial celebration Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 14th – 16th at the Vienna City Park.

The event will feature the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission presenting living reenactments throughout the weekend.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, Sept. 14th @ Johnson County Courthouse

• 12:00 Noon – lowering of the current U.S. Flag and raising of the War of 1812 Flag (will be flown throughout the weekend). This will take place at the Johnson County Courthouse by formal proclamation, etc.

Saturday, Sept. 15th @ Vienna City Park

• 10:30 a.m. – Opening colors and parade of troops

• 11:00 a.m. – Inspection of troops and drills & society of 1812 Flag program

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – Period of open fire cooking in camps

• 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – War of 1812 presentation: Mr. Bill Wilson

– Part I: National overview with hand out maps

– Part II: Illinois forts and blockhouses used during the War of 1812 era

• 1:00 p.m. – Drill and musket firing demonstration

• 2:00 p.m. – Mr. Bill Wilson

• 4:00 p.m. – Closing colors and remarks (visitors are invited to interact with soldiers and their families throughout both days of the encampment, clothing demonstrations, weapons discussions, camp life, and sewing will be on display

 

Sunday, Sept. 16th

@ Vienna City Park

• 10:00 a.m. – Opening colors and remarks

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – 1812 Protestant church service

• 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Inspection of troops and drill/musket firing demonstrations

• 11:00 a.m. – Society of 1812 Flag program

• 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – War of 1812 presentation: Mr. Bill Wilson

– Part III: Nine major events in Illinois Territory

– Part IV: The Bicentennial Commission – completed and upcoming events

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon – Period of open fire cooking in camps

• 1:00 p.m. – Drill and musket firing demonstration

• 3:00 p.m. – Closing colors and remarks.