Dave Wilson of Sacramento returns to the Civil War camp following the battle in Virginia City last year .
VIRGINIA CITY — Nevada’s Battle Born namesake and its place in history are a direct result of its involvement and funding of the Civil War. Each Labor Day weekend, the Comstock Civil War Re-enactors provide a glimpse into this important part of Virginia City’s, Nevada’s and America’s history during the Virginia City Civil War Days and Labor Day Parade, to be held Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. As an official Nevada 150th anniversary event, the re-enactors bring three days of train battles, an evening champagne battle train, Victorian High Tea and tethered hot air balloon rides.
In conjunction with the V&T Railroad, more than 100 costumed re-enactors from across the United States will join the Comstock Civil War Re-enactors for realistic train battle re-enactments. A Sunday evening Champagne Battle Train takes place at 7:30 p.m. and provides a unique night battle experience with gunfire and explosions being highly visible.
A Labor Day tribute includes a Monday parade at noon on C Street, immediately followed by a street battle where spectators can get up close to the live action.
All weekend long tethered Civil War balloon rides lift off from the Silverland Hotel parking lot and attendees can tour the Civil War Camp at Miner’s Park.
The following is the full schedule of events:
Saturday, Aug. 30: Tethered Civil War balloon rides in Silverland Hotel parking lot 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Civil War Camp free to public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; V&T Railroad train battles at 11:20 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Swap Meet in Camp 4 to 6 p.m.; barbecue no host dinner at Delta Saloon 6 to 8 p.m.; free dance at Delta Saloon at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31: Tethered Civil War balloon rides in Silverland Hotel parking lot 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Church service open to public 8 to 8:30 a.m.; Civil War Camp free to public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; V& T Railroad train battle at 11:20 a.m.; Victorian High Tea at Delta Saloon at 2 p.m.; Champagne Battle Train at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1: Tethered Civil War balloon rides in Silverland Hotel parking lot 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Civil War Camp free to the Public 9 to 11:30 a.m.; Labor Day Parade at noon; Street Battle immediately following parade; V&T Railroad Train Battle at 2 p.m.
V&T Battle Train tickets are $24 for adults and $11 for children under 11 years old. High Tea tickets are $25 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.eventjoy.com. Hot air balloon rides are $15 for adults and $7 for kids under 11 and are available on-site.
For more event information call 775-722-5849 or online at www.ccwr.us.
For more information on Virginia City, visit www.visitvirginiacitynv.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.