The Freedom Fest in Osawatomie opens today amid gunfights and connon vollelys. The Freedom Festival is a living history event that features a reenactment of the Battle of Osawatomie, portrayals of historical figures, frontier artisans, Civil War weapons, drill demonstrations, as well as a modern arts and crafts vendor fair and other family fun activities.
Activities today include a reenactment of the Battle of Middle Creek at 11, a border war scenario at 2, and a reenactment of the Battle of Osawatomie at 4. A special night firing of Civil War artillery will take place at dusk. Also, a presentation by Mary Buster, the great-great-granddaughter of Florella Adair, John Brown’s half-sister. The presentation, “Florella Brown Adair Living In The Shadows of John Brown,” will begin at noon. Then at 2, the Marais Des Cygnes plainsmen mountain man group will provide a Tomahawk throwing demonstration. Kerry Altenbrand will follow the demonstration with a portrayal of John Brown.
