Bob and Daniel Ehrenberger, from Shelbyville, Missouri, demonstrated the vanishing art of blacksmithing and knife making this year, which may come in handy, since festival coordinators expect in excess of forty horses for this years event. They have been involved with blacksmithing for about 7 years and have taken classes from the Blacksmith Association of Missouri. Daniel has since become full-time custom knife maker, since passing his journeyman's test last March. Steve Bumpus of Collinsville demonstrated the art of broom making. General Grierson Days is supported by the Jacksonville Area Visitors and Conventions Bureau.
All events are free and open to the public.
The two day event features Civil War Battle Reenactments, the largest Cavalry Exhibition in the midwest, music of the 33rd Regiment Band, Military Ball and Costume Competition, and Sutlers. The event concludes with the Grand Review. The Illinois Humanities Council's Planning Committee for Central Illinois Scenes from 1999 Heartland Chautauqua in Jacksonville.