BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The smell of black powder and war cries will disrupt the quiet woods this weekend as re-enactors recount the Aug. 30, 1813 Fort Mims massacre.

 Each year, the event draws hundreds of re-enactors and visitors from the Southeast and beyond; and each year the number of crafters increase to provide educational exhibits and accurate portrayals of life in the early 1800s.

 It also brings area awareness and tourist dollars to boost the local economy, according to Margo Allen, executive director of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “Although the activities at Fort Mims represent a tragic chapter in American history, the fact remains that it is history; and as such, it offers us the opportunity to reflect on the past and appreciate the present,” Allen said.

 “Baldwin County’s historical sites and their associated events and activities attract a large and wide variety of visitors to the area. Consequently, this equates to increased tourism which greatly benefits our economy.”

Claudia Campbell, president of the Fort Mims Restoration Association, noted that the number of re-enactors increases yearly and the scope of exhibits. “We strive for our crafters to provide an educational venue for visitors by portraying only early 1800s-type arts or crafts,” Campbell said. “Wool spinning, blacksmithing, skinning, flint napping, cornhusk dolls, oak and pine straw basketry and such will be displayed.

 “New this year is a local water color artist who will be bringing his paintings  — he photographed the re-enactment for two years and is painting scenes from the re-enactment and of Ft Mims. I haven't seen his work, but he will be setting up on Friday morning.”

 Chuck Stewart, from Bay Minette, will be bringing his mules and wagons that were very popular at our March event. This is a good portrayal of the mode of transportation in 1813.

 “We are continuing our funding campaign for the Blockhouse as we await approval of the detailed plans prior to construction,” she said.. “We have gotten sponsors for 56 logs out of a goal of 100.” Displays from the University of South Alabama and Baldwin County Archives and History will be there for viewing. Local authors will have their books about local history on sale.

 Period music (1800s) and Indian flute music will be played throughout the day. A Speaker’s Forum-providing spectators with a history lesson about the Creek Indians, fort conditions, 1800s weapons and clothing will be held prior to the re-enactment.

 A tour of historical and medicinal plants of Fort Mims will be at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday by Fred Nation, local botanist, Campbell said. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Concessions will be available on site as well as a “Cooling Station” with plenty of fans.

A $5 donation will be requested at the gate, and children 6 and under will be admitted free. All proceeds go toward the restoration of Fort Mims. Call the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce 251-937-5665, or FMRA 251-533-9024 for more information.

 Visit fortmims.org for schedule of events, and become a “Friend” of Fort Mims  The site is in north Baldwin County in the community of Tensaw on Highway 59 north. Go to County Road 80, west 3 miles on Boatyard Road, then right on Fort Mims Road. Signs will mark the way.