Experience the excitement of a working frontier fort as Fort Larned National Historic Site hosts Labor Day Weekend activities Sept. 4, 5 and 6. Living history demonstrations and activities will be held all three days of the event from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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. Watch soldiers perform rifle and cannon demonstrations, blacksmiths working raw metal into finished products and bakers creating meals for the troops. 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 also feature an exhibit by artist Rebecca Drach of St. John. Drach specializes in oil painting and enjoys painting portraits and portrait scenes. The exhibit, supported by the Santa Fe Trail Creative Arts Guild, will be on display in the park visitor center. Each day will feature other special demonstrations in the morning and talks held in the Fort Larned air-conditioned visitor center in the afternoon. The special programs presented by park staff and volunteers are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, September 4
11 a.m. Demonstration of artillery and small arms used on the plains
1 p.m. “Reveille to Taps, Military Signal Music” by Park Ranger Zack Corpus
2 p.m. History of “The Medal of Honor” by Park Ranger Roy Hargadine
3 p.m. “Connections: Fort Larned and the National Parks” by Park Ranger Nathan King
4:30 Flag Retreat Ceremony, complete with cannon fire
Sunday, September 5
11 a.m. Demonstration of artillery and small arms used on the plains
1 p.m. “Destruction of the 1867 Cheyenne/Sioux Village” by Park Ranger Roy Hargadine
2 p.m. “History Along the Santa Fe Trail” by Dr. David Clapsaddle
3 p.m. “Connections: Fort Larned and the National Parks” by Park Ranger Nathan King
4:30 Flag Retreat Ceremony, complete with cannon fire
Monday, September 6
11 a.m. Demonstration of artillery and small arms used on the plains
1 p.m. Quartermaster Program, “Keeping the Fort Supplied” by Park Ranger Roy Hargadine
2 p.m. “Preservation of the Fort Larned Archeological Collection” by Park Ranger Mike Seymour
3 p.m. “Connections: Fort Larned and the National Parks” by Park Ranger Nathan King
4:30 Flag Retreat Ceremony, complete with cannon fire
“Special events like this allow our visitors to connect with history on a higher level,” said Superintendent Kevin McMurry. “Seeing the fort come to life can be a memorable experience for the whole family.” 
Fort Larned National Historic Site is six miles west of Larned on Kansas Highway 156. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., information on visiting is on the Internet at www.nps.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 www.larnedks.org or call (620) 285-6916. Information on the Santa Fe Trail Creative Arts Guild can be found at www.creativeartscouncil.org.