Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Old Cahawba is going to party like its 1825 on Saturday.

The historic archaeological park will be commemorating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Alabama’s first state capital.

The day will be filled with a parade, reenactments and demonstrations including the firing of an old cannon on the grounds of the ghost town.

William Henry, director at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, said it will even feature the visit of a French dignitary.

“We are going to have several speakers come to the park,” Henry said. “We will have the French Consulate and others including State Senators Greg Albritton and Robert Stewart, State Rep. Prince Chestnut, Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, representatives from the Alabama Historical Commission, the Alabama RC&D, the Preservation Society for Old Cahawba and others.”

In addition to that, they will have national guard members and reenactment militias and others in a parade that is slated to begin around 11 a.m. All day long, they will have many early 19th Century inspired activities going on, including some ballroom dance lessons from that era, actors portraying historic figures such as Lafayette, Gov. Pickens and other townspeople, samples of wild game from the Alabama Wildlife Federation, watch the short film “Follow the Frenchman” and even some barbecue for visitors.

“We tried to tie in a lot of the activities that would have occurred around that era,” Henry said. “We just hope so many people will come out on Saturday and enjoy the day with us.”

There will also be vendors and booths set up throughout the deserted town. There will be presentations and speeches from the re-enactors during the day.

Gates open around 8:30 a.m., but the event will not begin until 10 a.m. the speeches will be held at 10:45 a.m. followed by the parade at around 11 p.m. Henry said other events are also planned throughout the event, which will wrap up around 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Henry said the only thing you might need money for is to purchase souvenirs or some barbecue that will be provided by Uncle Clyde’s BBQ.

People will be allowed to roam around the grounds all during the event and visit all of the booths. While they will have some bleachers and chairs set up for the parades, Henry recommended bringing your own chair to ensure that you could sit and watch the parade. He also recommended bringing some sunscreen and bug spray.

And if visitors also want to cosplay, Henry said they are welcome.

“If you want to dress up in period clothing and join in with the re-enactors, you are welcome to do so,” Henry said. “We hope everyone who comes out will have a great time.”

For more information on the event, call the park at 334-872-8058 or log on to cahawba.com.