Annual Civil War re-enactment canceled

CHENEY — The annual Civil War battles that traditionally takes place here over the Memorial Day weekend has been canceled this year.

The Washington Civil War Association will not be putting on the event this coming weekend, association Vice Chairwoman Lisa Tharp said.

The retreat from the battle field this year caught city leaders by surpise.

“It was a surprise for me when representatives reached out and told me that they wouldn’t be holding the event this year,” Mayor Chris Grover said.

With a few exceptions, the event has been occurring here annually for more than 20 years, attracting Civil War buffs from all over the country.

“Because of that tradition, we want to move on and make the best effort for next year,” Tharp said of the decision.

Grover said the cancelation may have to do with funding.

“It is my understanding that the association did not get their application for the hotel-motel tax disbursement application in on time for funds for 2023,” Grover said, noting he hopes city policies will be updated and improved, making it easier for the event to return in 2024.

“Currently, we are working on revising city policies which would more comprehensively detail the process by which an entity can apply to hold an event on city property,” Grover said, noting the city’s partnership with the event provides for education and enrichment.

Observance

Despite the loss of the Civil War event this year in Cheney, a Memorial Day observance is planned for the Washington State Veterans Cemetery outside of Medical Lake.

The annual Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Memorial Day Ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 29, at the cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road.

The Lilac City Community Band will perform a prelude at 10:30 a.m.

The observance is open to the public, but parking is limited. Overflow parking will be available along Ritchey Road.

Pets and tobacco products are prohibited.

Gravesites flags will be placed by Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets and military personnel on Friday.

In observance of Memorial Day, local governmental offices will be closed Monday, as will area banks.

Author Bio

Lucas Walsh, Former managing editor

Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.