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A weekly public affairs program in which Tri States Public Radio interviews newsmakers from around the region.

Emphasis – April 20

Jason Parrott’s guests are Keokuk Tourism Director Kirk Brandenberger and Wes Pohorsky, who is a longtime member of the Keokuk Tourism Board.

A Keokuk tradition is celebrating a major milestone this month as the 25th annual Civil War Reenactment will run from Friday, April 27th through Sunday, April 29th.

“It will probably hit after it’s over with,” says Brandenberger about the thought of the 25th anniversary.  “Right now, we are just working real hard towards putting on a great event for the area.”

“I don’t think anybody in the very beginning ever thought that this could last 25 years,” says Pohorsky.  “The average lifespan of this type of event is not as long as we have been able to keep this going.”

This year’s event will feature the Battle of Shiloh because it is the 150th anniversary of that clash.  The battles will be reenacted at 2:30 P.M. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Brandenberger says a special fireworks display will be held to mark the occasion on Friday evening.  He says there will also be several special lectures and presentations over the weekend.

The 25th anniversary will also honor Keokuk’s role as home to multiple military hospitals.

Brandenberger expects a typical crowd this year, given the price of gasoline and the availability of participants.

A full schedule is available here.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.