Cumberland Gap has a full line up of summer tourism events scheduled to kick off on April 26 with the annual Civil War Weekend.

The event is scheduled to begin with a school day on Friday. Students from Bell County are expected to participate again this year.

At Monday night’s Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, it was revealed there have been few donations made toward the event. The Civil War Weekend is primarily funded from public donations, without which the event cannot take place, according to organizers.

All donations are tax deductible and can be made at town hall.

Those interested in donating can even specify how their donation is to be used. Alderman John Ravnum is in charge of the event. He can be reached at 423-869-2282.

This year the Civil War weekend is entitled “Gap Divided” and will portray an authentic war between the states as well as living history and reenactments. Visitors will be able to see battles, infantry, Calvary and artillery demonstrations.

There will also be opportunities to visit authentic Civil War encampments and eight stations presenting civil war talks and demonstrations on equipment and different branches of the army. There will be a period tea and fashion show for the women in attendance.

On Sunday, there will be an abbreviated day with period church services and other Civil War activities before the soldiers start moving out at 4 p.m.

Other scheduled tourism events discussed at the meeting were Crazy Aunt Sadie’s Yard Sale on May 11, Antique Day on May 18, the Genealogy Jamboree on June 6-8, The White Lightning Trail Festival on June 29-30 and the LMU Arts in the Gap Festival.

Other business included:

• Alderman Joan Webb elected as vice-mayor;
• Learned water meters will now be read on the first of the month, effective May 1;
• Alderman Jerry Hopson was added to co-sign checks when necessary for an additional signature;
• Heard water leaks throughout the city have been fixed, resulting in a substantial drop in monthly water loss.

Town hall will be closed on March 13, 20 and 22. The budget meeting will be March 18, at 6 p.m. The planning meeting for April will be March 25, at 6 p.m.

Reina P. Cunningham can be reached at rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com or 606-248-1010, ext. 205.