Banjo-strumming musicians will play Stephen Foster's spirited melodies while Civil War re-enactors picnic on the grounds of historic Allegheny Cemetery during the fourth annual Doo Dah days.

The free, family-oriented event runs from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow in the cemetery on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Doo Dah Days, which attracts about 1,000 people, is sponsored by the Lawrenceville Historical Society and the Allegheny Cemetery Historical Association.

Patricia McElligott, a freelance writer from Penn Hills, attended last year.

"I liked the re-enactors more than anything. They were just beautifully dressed in Civil War-era garb, and the women were wearing big hoopskirts. It gave you such a feel for what the city looked like in those days."

Stephen Collins Foster, one of America's most popular song writers, was born on an estate in Lawrenceville on July 4, 1826. That's why the event is held as close as possible to Independence Day, said Dan Simkins, president of the Lawrenceville Historical Society. Foster's father, William, founded Lawrenceville in 1814 on land that he owned.

A re-enactor will portray Foster, whose list of well-known songs include "Beautiful Dreamer," "Camptown Races," "Swanee River" and "My Old Kentucky Home."

Staff from the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh will set up a craft for children. A guide will conduct tours of Allegheny Cemetery and point out the graves of famous people who are buried there, including Foster and his only daughter. People who take the tour will be asked for a $5 donation. The Deli on Butler Street and Pesaro's Pizza will sell food and ice cream.

As this year marks the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, Civil War re-enactors will portray Lincoln and his wife, Mary.

"It was common for Abe and Mary Lincoln to take a carriage ride around Washington, D.C. We're going to have them riding through," Mr. Simkins said.

For a complete schedule, go to www.doodahdays.com.