October Outing: The Cedar Creek Battle reenactment at Middletown, VA

Our October Outing on Saturday October 18th will be to the Cedar Creek Battle reenactment at Middletown, VA for the 150 Anniversary for this historic event. 

Brief summary of history: 
Early morning, October 19 1864, Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early launched a surprise attack on Union forces along Cedar Creek. The Federal Army of Shenandoah under the command of Major General Philip Sheridan was given orders to rid the Valley of the remaining confederate forces. This well organized attack followed various prior engagements of the two leaders and troops. The federal forces were surprised and made a panicked retreat to Belle Grove plantation. Sheridan had been in Middletown on business and was drawn back out to his troops by the sounds of fire. He assessed the situation and began to reorganize his troops. On the confederate side, troop formations began to disorganize due to exhaustion from being on battle since 1am that day, hungry and sleep deprived.
By mid-afternoon Sheridan had reformed his horses and noise of 10,000 horses descending on them drove Early's forces into a rout with Sheridan's forces in pursuit. By nightfall finally, Sheridan brought an end to Jubal Early and the last significant Confederate resistance in the Shenandoah Valley. This victory also helped Abraham Lincoln to get a second term in office in the 1864 elections.

For a more detailed history and further event information: http://ccbf.us/
There's lots of information the website and also a downloadable event map and brochure. 

Event Address: 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA 22645 (Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation - parking and event entrance is adjacent to the foundation)
There will be various shuttle buses between different locations for the day accessible with event wristband

Where and When: 
Saturday October 18th 2014 - meet at 6.30am at the Rt. 100 Park and Ride (adjacent to Long Gate Shopping Center)
It is an about 2 hour drive and the battlefield location opens at 9am. 

Admissions: $18 for adult
                      $9 for seniors, military (active and retired with ID), students - if you have any of these IDs make sure that you have them with the day to benefit from the savings 
                       - ticket can also be purchased in advance on the above website

Schedule of events for Saturday:
10 am Federal Dress Parade- Pass-in Review
11 am Reenactment - Cavalry Battle of Tom's Brook
3 pm Reenactment - Battle of Third Winchester
5 pm Commemoration Ceremony
6 pm Middletown Luminaries - main street will glow with luminaries to commemorate those that lost their lives

There is lots to see and do as there will also be a living history exhibit. Be prepared for changing weather and bring food and water (the latter is suggested to bring on their website, so I don't think there will be bag restrictions, but check website for any limitations). 
Stay as long or as short as you would like - just make sure that if sharing a ride your driver/passengers are all intending to do the same or have alternative options for the way back.