Popular Annual Ohio Civil War Show returns to Mansfield

One of Mansfield’s most popular traditions is back.

The 44th Annual Ohio Civil War and World War II show will be taking place at the Richland County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 through May 1. On Saturday the event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..

“Our show is in it’s 44th year,” said Teresa Drushel, the co-manager of the Ohio Civil War Show. “It’s a lifelong tradition for the Williams family to put on such an historical event. We had to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we held the show last year and had a great attendance.”

There are 380 exhibitors from 38 states that will be participating in what is the only Civil War and World War II show in Ohio. The show features 800 tables of military memorabilia from 1775 through 1945 that will be on display, making it the largest quality show of it’s kind in the country. Also, items such as books, images, photographs, paper goods, Civil War prints and some women’s apparel will be available to the public and collectors.

“What’s different this year is that we will have 25 new educational displays for the visitors to see and learn about specifics of the wars,” said Drushel. “New this year is an educational presentation by the WWII U.S. 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron. Hearing the details of how the squadron took care of all wounded and how they evacuated the thousands of wounded, is quite a history lesson.”

The show will also feature a 1776 Revolutionary War Living History Encampment that will feature reenactors performing drills, firing muskets, demonstrating colonial period camp cooking, and showing and explaining various period military attire and other demonstrations.

As far as the show returning to Mansfield this year, Drushel says the city is excited. “The Mansfield area is happy to see the show return each year. The hotels are full, the restaurants are packed and visitors enjoy the area attractions all weekend.

“The Ohio Civil War Show has been honored with a local tourism award in the past.”