Cockayne Farmstead Plans World War II Weekend for September 9-10
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The historic Cockayne Farmstead is gearing up for its annual World War II Weekend, an event featuring military vehicles, children's activities, a swing dance and more, on Sept. 9-10.
Most of the activities will be centered in the area of John Marshall High School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
"There are so many new and cool things this year that we are excited about," said Kara Gordon, site manager for Cockayne Farmstead. Our speaker lineup is looking amazing. We have at least two groups of reenactors confirmed already, one representing the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Division (A/505) out of northwest Pennsylvania, and the other representing the Signal Corps, the branch that Sam Cockayne served in.
"We also have one super cool lady coming who interprets the homefront during the war," Gordon added. "She even brings a mini trailer that opens up to look like a 1940s house and teaches visitors about the many ways that people on the homefront contributed to the war effort."
Speakers and demonstrators will include Roy Eichorn of the Ghost Army Legacy Project; Rebecca Park, who portrays Col. Ruby Bradley; Jim Belcher Jr., honorary survivor of the USS Indianapolis; and Cat Gardiner, homefront interpreter.
"There will also be military vehicles on site and a Car Show on Saturday," she added.
Food trucks will also be on-site at JM including Mason Dixon BBQ, the Guest House Restaurant and Ice Cream Island on Saturday and Woodfield Pizza on Sunday.
"We're really happy to be partnering with Marshall County Schools and they have been so helpful already with this event," Gordon noted. "The Swing Dance on Saturday evening will still be at St. Jude Hall, and I think that will be a perfect complement to our other locations."
At JM, an area will be set to allow people to meet and greet local veterans and hear their war stories.
There will also be a children's area with crafts and a Boot Camp Obstacle Course. Music will be provided by the Eli Lambie Jazz Trio and the Shadyside Community Band.
A 1940s Swing Dance is slated to take place from 8-10 p.m. Saturday at St. Jude Hall, 826 Jefferson Ave., Glen Dale.
"I think the Swing Dance will be awesome as well," she said. "Matt Hill and Friends will be providing the music, and dancers, as well as watchers, are welcome.
Tickets are $10 at the door; veterans enter free. Vintage attire is encouraged but not required.
On Friday, the Strand Theater, 811 Fifth St., Moundsville, is slated to show "Casablanca" at 7 p.m.