History will come to life at Civil War re-enactment

By Kurt Lewis

The Haldimand Press

CAYUGA—For 20 years, Ray Gardner has had a passion for Civil War re-enactments, and for the past five years, he’s shared his joy with the people of Haldimand County at his Circle G Ranch in Cayuga.

Originally a carpenter, Gardner has built up his Highway 3 property to include miniature models of a Civil War-era church, sheriff’s office with jail cell, bank, and even a barber shop, which boasts a chair from 1901. He also showcases Canada’s only authentic stagecoach, which is over a century old, as well as a Mennonite-made Gatling gun, and four cannons. He was proud to announce he was “the first one in Canada to host a re-enactment show on their own property.”

At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2019, Gardner will once again make history come to life with a daily re-enactment of the 1863 Battle of Hanover, featuring the 102nd Coloured Party from Detroit and the 9th New York Cavalry – Canada’s only mounted cavalry. Throughout the day, visitors can also expect to see various artillery, medical and cavalry demonstrations.