The Calvada Eye will be temporarily transformed into a field of battle when an engagement of the the Civil War is re-enacted there Saturday, May 17.

The Pahrump Town Board approved $500 from the tourism room tax fund to advertise the event, which is being hosted by the Pahrump Valley Museum and Historical Society.

The Civil War re-enactors will also stop by several local schools to demonstrate the nation's largest rift to the students.

Since the re-enactors will be shooting off black-powder guns, (sans shot, of course) the event is sure to feel authentic between the smell of gunpowder in the air and the accompanying hue and cry of falling soldiers.

The re-enactment will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will even be able to sample Johnny cakes and hardtack, the less than appetizing sustenance soldiers ate while on the march.

Board Member Don Rust questioned the necessity of funding the re-enactment given the Chili Cook-Off at Petrack Park slated for the same day.

"Madam Chairman, do we really think a Civil War re-enactment is going to draw a lot of people here for a chili cook-off?" Rust asked. "I'm just questioning the need for another event because this date has got nothing to do with the Civil War."

Chairman Laurayne Murray pointed out the professional organization travelled across the country performing and often drew people in from surrounding areas.

Vicky Parker, resident, advocated the event as well.

"The Chili Cook-Off is not something people spend a lot of time at," Parker said. "They come and go, and bring their families. And I think it'd be great, as long as you got the kids out and dressed and full of chili, to take them out there and scare them by the big guns."