On Saturday, Dec. 9, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakdale hosted their sixth annual Civil War Christmas.

The all-day event delves into different aspects of life during the 1860s holiday season.

The Bay Area Friends of Fine Arts chorus were dressed in caroling crinolines to match the era.

With selections like “Deck the Halls” and “Silent Night,” the chorus chose songs that were over 160 years old to coincide with the 1860s theme.

Civil War re-enactors from the 67th New York Volunteers, Co. K, and the Sons of the American Revolution were in attendance. The Knights of Columbus Sunrise Council 6607 helped set up the event, hanging and measuring greens, pounding in signs, moving tables, and securing graves.

For the second year, the Town of Islip hosted a baking contest (the delicious confections from Victorian-era recipes were cut and handed out by Oakdale Historical Society president Maryann Almes, pictured with her beloved hoop skirt).

The winner, who was presented with a $100 prize, was Diane Fish with her “Melrose Cake,” a particularly delectable dessert that was presented beautifully.