Grab and Go Kids Planner: Sesquicentennial Edition

It’s going to be a hot week, so escape the heat with a program at a local library or embrace it and check out all of the events going on for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and First Battle of Manassas.

• Head over to the Central Community Library and pick up July’s monthly mind bender contest form and complete it with the whole family. This month’s topic is “Amazing Tales Around the World.” You could win a new book if you submit your correct answers! The contest ends on July 30.

• Enjoy a movie based on a book at Central Community Library on July 22 at 10:30 a.m.

• Find some treasures at the Lake Jackson Lions Flea Market on July 20, 21, 22, and 23 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Make a “Starry Starry Night” Craft at Bull Run Regional Library on July 20 at 7 p.m.

• Kids can earn a 'Commemorative Patch' from the Manassas Museum by joining living history interpreter Janet Scott for learning activities at the following historic Manassas sites daily from July 21-24:

1. Cannon Branch Fort—children can join a cannon crew
2. Jennie Dean Historical Site—children can assemble a quilt pattern with fabric squares
3. Liberia Plantation—children can decipher a secret code using ciphering disks
4. Mayfield Fort—children can use flags to relay signals

***Complete all four activities and return to the museum to get your free patch***

• Watch the Civil War Baseball Tournament at Jennie Dean Elementary School on July 21 at 11:15 a.m., July 22 at 8 a.m., and July 23 at 8 a.m. Children can watch exhibition games that will be played using 1860s baseball rules!

• Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Bull Run at the Commemorative Event at the Manassas National Battlefield Park on July 21 at 9:15 a.m. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will be there.

• Enjoy the National Jubilee of Peace at the Manassas Old Courthouse on July 21 from 4-6 p.m.

• Enjoy the Manassas Civil War Military Parade through Manassas on July 22 starting at 10 a.m.

• Check out the Sesquicentennial Tableau Fashion Show at Jennie Dean Elementary School's gymnasium on July 23 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.; July 21 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; July 22 at 3 p.m.;  July 24 at 1 p.m. Donna Huffman, creator of custom designed gowns, will show replicas of gowns worn by the wife of Emperor of Napoleon III, Empress Eugenie and her ladies.

• Learn about Stonewall Jackson, the First Brigade, and the Creation of Legend at the History at Sunset event at Manassas Battlefield Park on July 23 from 7-8:30 p.m.