The fair will replicate fundraisers which supported Civil War soldiers' health and their families. It is a new event planned for the re-enactment, set for May 20-22 on Sunbury's village square.

In 1864, the US Sanitary Commission hosted the Great Central Sanitary Fair of Philadelphia — an event organized to raise funds for soldiers’ aid during the Civil War.

Re-enactment of a fundraiser dance is likely to be one of many events marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. ... "The Sanitary Fair of 1865 was a huge event," Connolly said.

At the time, “sanitary commissions” were something like the Red Cross — civilian volunteer groups providing health care and other support to Civil War soldiers. In Chicago, the sanitary fair ...