LARNED – Experience the excitement of a working frontier fort as Fort Larned National Historic Site hosts Labor Day Weekend activities Saturday through Monday. Living history demonstrations and activities will be held all three days of the event from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. 

Fort Larned will be abuzz with activity as park staff and volunteers portray the living fort as it was in the 1860s and 1870s. Spectators can watch soldiers perform rifle and cannon demonstrations, blacksmiths working raw metal into finished products and bakers creating meals for the troops. They can interact with living history interpreters throughout the site including ladies of the post wearing elaborate Victorian dresses and soldiers in historic uniforms.

This year’s event will feature a variety from weapons to horse shoeing to children’s activities in the post school. 

Events all three days include:

• 9 a.m. - blacksmith program   

• 10 a.m. - horse shoeing and packing program

• 11 a.m. - post school program with kids activity

• 1 p.m. - weapons of the past

• 2 p.m. - artillery and small arms demonstration

• 3 p.m. - life of an officer’s wife, from the garden to the quarters

• 4:30 p.m. - flag retreat program

“Special events like this allow our visitors to connect with history on a higher level,” said Chief Ranger George Elmore. “Seeing the fort come to life can be a memorable experience for the whole family.” 

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located six miles west of Larned on K-156. Information on visiting is on the internet atnps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to fols_superintendent@nps.gov. 

For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining, and community services go to larnedks.org or call 620-285-6916.