Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations are among the highlights of the 15th annual Fairfax Civil War Day. It’s set for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Courtesy of the City of Fairfax, Historic Fairfax City Inc. and the Fairfax Rifles – Company D of the 17th Virginia Infantry Living History Organization – residents will be able to step back in time for a glimpse of life here in the early 1860s.

Activities include demonstrations of cannon and rifle firing by Union and Confederate re-enactors, youth “boot camps,” wagon rides through soldier camps, author/vendor tents, blacksmithing, medicine and food demonstrations, plus period music. Talks inside the award-winning Civil War Interpretive Center will cover women’s fashions, the role of the banjo in the Civil War, the Old Capitol Prison, and Lincoln assassination conspirator Mary Surratt.

Attendees will also be able to visit with costumed people portraying Gen. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Col. John S. Mosby, Clara Barton, Gen. James Longstreet, reconnaissance balloonist Thaddeus Lowe, Chief Surgeon Rauh, Union nurse Marilla Hovey and the Black Horse Cavalry.

Cost is $5 for adults; $3, children ages 3-12; and free for children 2 and younger. Proceeds benefit Blenheim’s renovation. Free shuttle service will be provided from Fairfax High School; no parking will be available at the event site. Food will be offered by Red Hot & Blue and Historic Fairfax City Inc.