The public is invited to join the inhabitants of Bent’s Old Fort Saturday, July 4 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate American Independence during the 2020 Old-Fashioned 4th Celebration.

The 4^th of July was one of the few holidays celebrated across the country in the 1840s. The victory over the British in the War for Independence was still only a few generations in the past, and the War of 1812, which some Americans considered “a second battle for Independence” was but a few decades earlier.

The holiday will be commemorated at the fort in “1840s-style” with a parade, orations and games. Some of the cross-cultural nature of the fort will be shown with a piñata break. A replica flag that has flown over the fort will also be given away.

The full schedule can be found below:

• 1:30 pm Parade – the parade will be led by the wagon and oxen and will start at the visitor parking lot and travel to the fort. Raise the large flag and give a cheer for the freedoms we enjoy.
• 2:00 Tolling of the Bell to Ring In each State in the Union.
• 2:15 Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Fort Plaza.
• 2:30 Tug of War – a popular pastime of 4^th of July celebrations in the East. Audience volunteers will have the chance to take on Bent, St. Vrain, & Co. Employees.
• 2:45 Water Bucket Relay – another popular pastime of Independence Day celebrations in the east. Kids from the audience will have the chance to compete against Bent, St. Vrain, & Co. Employees.
• 3:00 Piñata Break – kids can try to break the jug to get some candy – Fort Plaza.
• 3:30 Flag Give-away – enter a drawing for a 27-star flag that has flown over the fort – register when you enter the fort - fort plaza.

The park’s Special Event Fee of $5 per person age 6 and up will apply. Kids 5 and under are free. National Park Passes are honored for this fee. Fees will be collected at the fort entrance.

As always, visitors should be prepared for the weather. Water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located on Colorado Highway 194, eight miles east of La Junta or 15 miles west of Las Animas. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/beol and click on “Special Events” or call the park at (719) 383-5010.