Bringing History to Life
Brad Craver, accompanied by his son Andrew, gave a Civil War presentation at an outdoor meeting of the Lewisville Historical Society in Lewisville, North Carolina.
A Civil War Family
In 2002 Brad Craver and his sons, Austin and Andrew, decided to take up a hobby that has kept them close as a family and has brought history to life for them. As amateur Civil War historians, the Cravers spend six or seven weekends each year participating in Civil War re-enactments in North Carolina, Virginia and as far north as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
On the evening of September 14, 2009, Brad and his sons met with members of the Lewisville Historical Society under the oak trees at Shallowford Square. Their Civil War presentation included relics of that era — a sword, a pistol, and a rifle that was loaded and fired by both Austin and Andrew.
Dressed in full Civil War garb, the Cravers also brought with them items that a typical Civil War soldier might have carried in his haversack (backpack): a “housewife” (a sewing kit), military handbook, Christian tract, playing cards, bed cap, eating utensils and a supply of hardtack (hard biscuits).
Whenever the Cravers share with groups of various ages or are involved in Civil War re-enactments, they typically represent two particular regiments: the Federal Army’s 83rd Pennsylvania Regiment and the Confederate States Army’s 24th Virginia Regiment. They’re part of the approximately 50,000 Civil War re-enactors from nearly every state in the USA, as well as from other countries, including England and Belgium.
To see more PHOTOS and to hear the AUDIO RECORDING of the Cravers’ Civil War presentation, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more on the Civil War
Simply the Best
This little beauty was one of many children who played on the giant blow-up at the first annual Best of Lewisville Festival held at Shallowford Square.
First Things First
Time flies when you’re having fun! In my case, though, a few demands and obligations over the last few weeks put me dreadfully behind with my Lewisville photos. For those of you who have been awaiting shots of several mid-September Lewisville events, I do apologize. Hopefully, I’ll be getting back on track.
The Best of Lewisville Festival
It’s one thing to know Lewisville is a special town, but it’s wonderful to celebrate some of what makes Lewisville a great place to live, work or go to school. The first annual Best of Lewisville Festival took place in Shallowford Square on September 19, 2009. The four-hour event was sponsored by Karate International of Lewisville and MediaFit.
You might say the festival’s atmosphere was akin to a mini-fair, with varied energetic activities, along with food, pop music, and a number of local vendors. Plus, contests were held for the best flowers, art, food, essay, citizen — and even the prettiest baby.
As I strolled through the Square, the sights and sounds of the festival were delightful. Children were playing on the big blow-up, or they were competing in laser tag, the three-legged race, or the cornhole tournament. Some even crawled into the hamster ball and took a rolling adventure across the Square. Other children and adults participated in karate and clogging demonstrations.
Looking Ahead
The word is that this is only the beginning of the Best of Lewisville Festival. With the great organization and enthusiasm that went into this first celebration, we can eagerly anticipate what next year’s celebration will bring. Thanks for a great day in Lewisville!
To see a few more PHOTOS of the Best of Lewisville Festival before clicking on a LINK to get to the full gallery, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more of The Best of Lewisville
Lyrical Love Story
Mary Lea Williams and Josh Collier play the love-struck Mabel and Frederick in the witty and colorful comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance, performed at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina.
The Pirates of Penzance
I guess I just don’t get out as much as I should! You see, I’ve never been to an opera before, much less to a comic opera. At least not until I spent several recent September evenings photographing The Pirates of Penzance at Shallowford Square in Lewisville.
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. But any doubts I had about the musical quickly evaporated as the talented cast of the West Side Civic Theatre began unveiling a truly delightful and entertaining story.
Plus, there wasn’t a single word of Italian to be heard! So the lyrics were easy to understand and were laced with humor. The music was also wonderfully performed, with the musicians seated in an orchestra pit at the front of the stage.
For more PHOTOS and a link to the extensive PHOTO GALLERY of the musical, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more Pirates of Penzance
The Kazoobie Kazoo Show
Rick Hubbard played the steel drum in his Kazoobie Kazoo Show at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina, accompanied by children shaking maracas.
Exceptional Fun for Everyone
Rick Hubbard invented the word, “kazoobie,” to describe the type of family entertainment that he’s been providing for more than a decade. Rick says that “kazoobie” means “exceptional, fun and involving everyone.” And that’s exactly what occurred last Friday evening (August 14, 2009) on the Starlight Movie Nite at Shallowford Square in Lewisville.
Preceding the evening movie, The Kazoobie Kazoo Show — Rick Hubbard’s one-man band — kicked off the evening with a steady stream of entertaining moments. Kids and adults joined Rick on stage at the pavilion for what Rick describes as “K-A-O-S” — that is, “Kids Appearing On Stage” and “Kool Adults On Stage.”
For more than an hour, Rick performed non-stop on his electric guitar, banjo, steel drum and, of course, his signature kazoo. From the smallest of children to some very “kool” adults, there was plenty of energetic dancing, singing, shaking and bubble blowing. Everyone had fun at The Kazoobie Kazoo Show!
Starlight Movie Nite
Following The Kazoobie Kazoo Show, the movie Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, played at Shallowford Square. The Town of Lewisville will present its final movie of the season, Evan Almighty (PG), on Friday, September 25. (Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions will be available.)
Photo Gallery
You’ve got to see some of the crazy moments from Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo Show! I think the photos say it all: It was an exceptionally fun time for everyone! The photos are located in the Madagascar/Kazoobie Kazoo photo gallery.
