Tourism Officials Kicking Off Antietam Events
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Civil War tourism officials are kicking off their Maryland campaign with a weekend of events in Hagerstown.
They're calling it "First Call" weekend, named for the bugler's signal for troops to assemble.
The event Saturday and Sunday features music, lectures, demonstrations and a 19th-century baseball game. It's all meant to stimulate interest in the 150th anniversary this September of the Civil War Battle of Antietam.
Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, which also includes Frederick and Carroll counties.
Organizers say they're planning a First Call weekend next year in Carroll County to preview the anniversary of the nearby Battle of Gettysburg, Pa. Another First Call weekend in Frederick in 2014 will highlight the 1864 Battle of Monocacy.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
