Students flooded the gates of the Battle of Selma, eager to see history in action.

Actors portrayed people of the Civil War era, explaining about the workings of artillery, rifles, children’s toys, officer’s quarters, hospital procedures, period clothing and music, and photography with the technology of the era.

“They get to see history in front of them instead of reading it,” said Candace Johnson, event tour guide and director of tourism. “It makes it more hands-on, and they actually have a hands-on exhibit this year which is the first time ever that we’ve had that.”

John Christian, exhibit coordinator of the hands-on exhibit, explained about the rifles, cannon balls, canteens, drums and more at the hands-on exhibit.

“These are actual Civil War rifles, so they can pick them up, hold them, see what they feel like,” Christian said.

The favorite item to feel has been the cannon ball, Christian said.

Based on the responses from students this year, the exhibit may add or remove items for future years. “We’re going to have some more firearms next year,” Christian said. “It just depends.”

Jennifer Hyche, fourth grade teacher at Cedar Park, brought her students to the event this year.

“It goes right along with our Alabama course of study,” Hyche said. “A lot of the stuff they’re reading about they’re able to see first hand. To be able to come to events like this where we can actually learn, instead of just going somewhere and playing all day, it makes it a real learning experience.”

Gates open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. Battle re-enactments will occur at 2 p.m. each day. Admission is $7 per day. Confederate currency will not be accepted.