Annual Candlelight Tour A Success

2nd Company of the Star Fort Militia

Ninety Six National Historic Site

News Release Date: October 12, 2009

Contact: Melinda M Zupon, 864-543-4068

(Ninety Six, SC) – Despite 70% chance of rain over 500 visitors came to Ninety Six National Historic Site for the 28th Annual Candlelight Tour on Saturday, October 10.  Skies cleared with no rain in sight and over 60 reenactors and volunteers helped the staff of eight present the event.                            

About 200 visitors enjoyed children’s games and activities, candle dipping, quill and ink pen writing, musket and cannon firings during the day.  Almost thirty kids became a part of History by joining the new Star Fort Militia program and learned how real militia drilled.

For the 1^st time during the event, the 3 pound Grasshopper cannon was fired from the original 1781 Star Fort.  The Loyalist yells and boom brought History to life.    

Visit the Park website at:  www.nps.gov/NISI to see pictures from this year’s event.  The next Park event will be A Backcountry Holiday on Saturday, November 28, 2009.   

Ninety Six National Historic Site is part of the National Park Service system and one of only seven National Park units within the state.  The Park is open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm and is located two miles south of Ninety Six on SC Highway 248.  Contact the park for details at (864)  543-4068 or visit www.nps.gov/NISI.