BATH TWP: As the ground-shaking boom of cannon fire subsided, 6-year-old Robert Kremer looked at his mother.“Is the war done yet?” he asked.“No, the war’s not done yet, honey,” Marcia Kremer replied with a smile.The North Ridgeville woman brought her three children and a friend to Hale Farm and Village on Sunday to watch Civil War buffs re-enact the First Battle of Bull Run. But the experience was proving a little intense for Robert and sister Grace, 4, who covered their ears as guns and cannons blasted just steps away.Ten-year-old brother Caleb, on the other hand, was enthralled. He and his friend, Baylee Smith, had studied the Civil War last school year, his mother explained, and the two were eager for a living history lesson.“I’d love to fire one of those guns,” Caleb said, a broad grin lighting his face as he held his hands over his younger brother’s ears.The Kremers and Baylee were among an estimated 400 to 500 spectators who turned out Sunday despite a driving rain that delayed the start of the battle more than a half-hour. It was the final day of Hale Farm’s annual Civil War encampment and re-enactment, a weekend-long event that drew more than 600 re-enactors portraying both soldiers and civilians.The re-enactors camped out on the grounds of the living history museum, cooking over wood fires and living much as their forebears had. On Sunday, they strolled about in uniforms and other period garb amid contemporary visitors toting golf umbrellas and talking on cell phones.It was believed to be the 23rd or 24th year for the event, said Kelly Falcone, vice president of Hale Farm and Village, which is operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society. Activities during the weekend included a dinner with President Lincoln, drills, demonstrations and a Civil War Ball.About 2,100 spectators had shown up during Saturday’s fairer weather, a turnout that pleased Falcone.The annual event gives Northeast Ohioans a rare opportunity to experience the Civil War, an event that fascinates many Americans, she said.“They can see it. They can smell it. They can talk with re-enactors,” she said.The battle that enfolded in the historical site’s north pasture looked chaotic to onlookers, but actually it was a carefully choreographed battle planned by commanders who met periodically over the previous year, Falcone said. Brothers Desmond, Bailey and Eamon Fischer — 11, 8 and 6, respectively — watched intently. Bailey and Eamon sported the hats of opposing forces.“That was their choice,” said their father, Rob Fischer of Cleveland Heights.Darrell Markijohn of Canton, a colonel with the U.S. Voluntary Cavalry Regiment, explained after the fighting that the Union re-enactors pushed their Confederate counterparts back to a point representing Henry Hill. There the Confederate soldiers met up with a brigade under the command of Col. Thomas J. Jackson, who earned the nickname Stonewall for leading a rally and turning back the Union forces.Caleb Kremer said the commotion appealed to his 10-year-old’s sense of excitement.“We’re coming again next year, for sure,” he announced.Mary Beth Breckenridge can be reached at 330-996-3756 or mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com.