Due to safety concerns, we are canceling the Civil War Days event scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2019.

"After consulting with local and state law enforcement agencies, we made the decision to cancel the event due to public safety concerns. Our number one concern is the safety of participating Lake County residents and visitors, reenactors and vendors, as well as our staff and volunteers operating the event. They are our top priority," said Ty Kovach, Lake County Forest Preserves Executive Director.

“During the past week, there have been many responses to information stemming from a June 11 Forest Preserves board meeting where Civil War Days was discussed.  Some of these responses were very concerning,” said John Tannahill, Director of Public Safety for the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We consulted with local and state law enforcement agencies that specialize in events like this about the responses. Based on their advice, and in an effort to keep everyone safe, canceling is the best decision.”
 
An educational event, Civil War Days has taken place at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda for the past 27 years. "The tension around the event this year has changed the tone. We are not going to take a risk. It’s our job to protect preserve visitors, and our employees and volunteers," Tannahill said.
 
“Vigorous conversations have taken place in the past week at the national, state and local levels, regarding the Civil War Days event. Some of these conversations have led to security concerns. Security concerns must always be taken seriously, making a cancelation of this year’s event the prudent decision,” said Lake County Forest Preserves President Angelo Kyle.

Media Contact
Ty Kovach, Executive Director, akovach@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3338
John Tannahill, Director of Public Safety, jtannahill@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3405

Photo Requests
Kim Mikus Croke, Communications Specialist, kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3202

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