Saturday, April 18 will be a day full of fun, fitness, history, food, music and more in the City of Petersburg. Beginning at 7 a.m. the City will host the inaugural Petersburg Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and Kid’s Run beginning at the Union Train Station. The scenic course will feature views of Old Towne Petersburg, the Petersburg National Battlefield, Blandford Cemetery and Pocahontas Island. The course will also feature battle re-enactments. This event is open to all fitness levels. Registration continues until the day of the event. For more information, please visit www.RunPetersburg.com.
Beginning at Noon (ending at 5 p.m.), the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce present the Smokin’ Barbecue Festival in Historic Old Towne Petersburg. Vendors will be serving the tastiest of barbecues, entertainment, arts and crafts and more. Local talent will be featured on the live music stage behind the Farmer’s Market. Admissions are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate and kids 12 and under are free. Free tasting of beer and ciders will also be offered. For more information, please visit www.SmokingBarbecueFestival.com.
The City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts, and Tourism is sponsoring the 24th Annual Revolutionary War Re-enactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at historic Battersea. This event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for active military and Children 12 and under are free.
On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., there will be a Commemorative Ceremony of the Revolutionary War Battle of Petersburg and wreath laying in honor of Major General William Phillips. Activities each day include period music performances, dancing, children’s games, horse demonstrations, a period furniture maker and much more. This year’s event will feature a battle demonstration – “On Command” – Find, Fix and Finish the Enemy as well as cooking demonstrations “Makin Sumptin’ Outta Nothin’” by Wisteria Perry. The 1781 Battle of Petersburg Re-enactment will take place at 1:30 p.m. each day.