More than 1,500 Civil War re-enactors will invade the historic village of Zoar to re-create the 1861 Battle of Bull Run on Sept. 17 and 18.It’s among a number of events in Ohio commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the war, but organizer Mark Gaynor said it will be the biggest gathering of re-enactors in the state.The village has been staging Civil War battles every other year since 2001, attracting around 3,000 spectators each time.“But we’re looking to probably exceed that this time” because of the milestone, Gaynor said.With Zoar home to just 190 residents, “it truly is an invasion,” he quipped.The camps open at 9 a.m. both days and drills and demonstrations run throughout the morning. The battle begins at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.Visitors can also tour soldiers’ camps and sutlers’ shops throughout the village.Living history presenter Paul Goebbel will set up a field newspaper office near the battlefield and send off authentic dispatches to the New York Herald from the battlefield. Visitors will be invited to participate as field reporters.Camp Chase Fifes & Drums, known for their music in the movie Gettysburg, will play in the Zoar Garden throughout both days.There will also be a Civil War wedding in the garden at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a ball in the dance tent.Lantern Tours of the Ghosts of Zoar will add Civil War ghost stories to their walking tour on Friday and Saturday. Call 330-874-2002 for reservations.The event is sponsored by the Zoar Community Association and hosted by the 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Co. B. Inc., and the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Co. B. Inc. Admission is $7 for visitors 15 years and older (younger is free) and a single ticket is good for both days of the event. All proceeds benefit historical restoration in Zoar.Zoar is on state Route 212, three miles east of Exit 93 off Interstate 77, approximately 12 miles south of Canton. Visit http://www.zoarcivilwar.com for more information.Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.