CLINTON - The 40th annual Apple 'n Pork Festival brought out thousands of people on a sunny Saturday for one of Clinton's biggest celebrations, but there was more available than just what the name implies.

The Central Illinois Living Historians, a group of Civil War re-enactors, were just one group of historical preservationists drawing onlookers with their campsite, uniforms and weapons modeled after the sort of equipment Union soldiers would carry while on a long campaign.

Shane Grover, 23, of Washington showed off his uniform and percussion cap rifle, explaining some of the hard facts of life of a Union soldier. A member of the Central Illinois Living Historians, Grover said the goal of re-enactors like himself is to show people the realities of life for a soldier in the 19th century.

"We try to show what it was like in the West, where America was made," Grover said. People today don't realize "what sort of hardships weren't even considered hardships back then."

The festival also was an opportunity to check out the many vendors selling wares.

For Angie Williams, owner and operator of The Indian Mound, an American Indian jewelry retailer since the late 1960s, this festival proved bittersweet. Williams' husband, George, recently needed to be checked into a nursing home, and Williams said she won't be continuing the business.

"We've made so many friends here and enjoyed bringing this jewelry from the Southwest," Williams said. "I'm going to miss the camaraderie with all the people here."

Bill Lofton, of Bloomington, said he came by the festival to grab a pork sandwich and find a gift for his 6-year-old grandson.

Lofton said he's been a regular at the festival for some time.

"I've come here for 20 years, and this is one of the better draws in the fall," Lofton said.

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GO!

What: Apple 'n Pork Festival

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today

Where: C.H. Moore Homestead grounds, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton

Highlights: Apple and pork foods, arts and crafts, flea market, live entertainment, petting zoo, artisan demonstrations, children's activities, juried art show, more.

Admission: Free

More information: (217) 935-6066.