Independence Day at Bent’s Old Fort

Residents of Bent’s Old Fort invite the public to join them Thursday (July 4) from 1:304 p.m. for the 2019 Frontier Fourth Celebration to commenorate America’s independence. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located on Colorado Highway 194, 8 miles east of La Junta or 15 miles west of Las Animas. The Fourth of July was one of the few holidays celebrated across the country in the 1840s. The fort will commemorate the holiday in “1840s-style” with a parade, orations and games and a piñata break. A replica 1845 flag that has flown over the fort will also be given away to a lucky visitor. The schedule includes: 1:30 p.m. Parade 1:45 p.m. Tolling of the bell to ring in each state in the Union 2 p.m. Reading of the Declaration of Independence 2:15 p.m. Piñata break for the kids 2:30 p.m. Benton-Webster debate in the fort’s dining room 3 p.m. Pastimes of Times Past – billiards, card games, storytelling in the billiards room 3:15 p.m. Temperance Speech in the billiards room 3:30 p.m. Flag Giveaway – enter a drawing for a 27-star flag that has flown over the fort – register when you enter the fort at the plaza The cost to enter the park is $3 per person for visitors 13 and older and $2 for ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are free. National Park Passes are honored for this fee. Fees will be collected at the fort entrance. Visitors should be prepared for rapid changes in weather including afternoon thunderstorms. Water, sun screen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For more information, visit the park’s website at nps. gov/beol and click on “Special Events” or call the park at (719) 383-5010