AREA FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE HISTORICAL THEME

MOREHOUSE, Mo. -- In the spring of 1864, Morehouse residents were wary of strangers. Merciless bands of guerrilla raiders plagued Southeast Missouri as the Civil War raged.

Confederate partisans feared Union soldiers while those who backed the Union worried about retaliation from the rebels.

Now, nearly 140 years later, those same partisan skirmishes will be replayed but this time, the soldiers will be re-enactors and they will be guests in the community.

Morehouse will celebrate its past in a festival March 31 and April 1.

"We are trying to do different things to get the community involved," said Mayor Pete Leija, an organizer of the two-day event. Drawing on the success of their fall festival, Leija and others plan games and activities for children and adults. There will be a parade, food booths and crafts at the city park.

However, this spring's celebration will include a Civil War encampment and re-enactment of skirmishes and battle tactics used during the Civil War.