Fort Larned National Historic site will join the celebration of 250 years of independence with a weekend of living history demonstrations and programs. Come on out Saturday or Sunday (July 4-5) to see the fort and take part in traditions you would have seen 160 years ago. Independence Day was one of the few holidays celebrated on post and you bet they went all out with patriotic decorations, cannon salutes, and more.

Here is the schedule:

Saturday

10 a.m. – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing demonstration

11 a.m. – Steadfast Springfields: Rifle firing demonstration

1 p.m. – From Flint to Brass: Comparing the loading and firing process from Revolutionary War muskets to Fort Larned rifles

2 p.m. – Manmade Thunder: Artillery firing demonstration

3 p.m. – Elmer Newacheck: From WWI veteran to Pawnee County history buff

4:30 p.m. – Pomp and Circumstance: Flag retreat ceremony

Sunday

10 a.m. – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing demonstration

11 a.m. – Steadfast Springfields: Rifle firing demonstration

1 p.m. – Flight Deck Life: A Navy veteran’s experience on an aircraft carrier

2 p.m.– Manmade Thunder: Artillery firing demonstration

3 p.m. – Vietnam and the Beehive: A Park Ranger and veteran’s perspective

4:30 p.m. – Pomp and Circumstance: Flag retreat ceremony

Visit Fort Larned, located 6 miles west of Larned on K-156 for this unique celebration. For more information, including how to become a volunteer, call 620-285-6911 or email fols_internet@nps.gov.