POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. -- Historical events will come to life this weekend with the eighth annual Siege of Fort Randolph.

The event is scheduled for today through Sunday and will take place at Krodel Park's Fort Randolph in Point Pleasant, W.Va.

The historical re-enactment and commemoration of the murder of Chief Cornstalk and the ensuing Siege of 1778 is an outdoor drama that pulls the public into the midst of living history. Spectators will see Indians besiege the fort, militiamen defend the fort walls, and Virginia women and children assist the defenders inside the fort.

The drama is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Admission for the drama is $3 per adult, children age 5 and under are free. Demonstrations and all other events during the weekend are free to the public.

For the first time, there will be a market fair with at least six or seven quality sutlers, or as we say today, retailers. The sutlers will have a variety of 18th century-style items ranging from clothing and glassware to wooden and blacksmith items. Participating sutlers include Quartermaster General; Bushnell Bottle; Colonial Supplies; Ohio Valley Peddler; Stitches in Tyme; The Wildwood Shop; David Pierce, Native Items and Greg Milliken, blacksmith.

In addition, people will be able to tour the Indian village, which will feature native life demonstrations. Those in attendance also will have the opportunity to see the new blacksmith shop that is currently being completed. The gift shop also will be open.

This year's event will feature a large number of re-enactors from West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana.

Times for the events are as follows:

Today: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 17: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Drama at 2 p.m., rain or shine

Sunday, May 18: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Hike at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact the Mason County Tourism Center at 304-675-6788 or visit the following Web sites for pictures and information: www.masoncountytourism.org and www.fortleescouts.org.

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