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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
or Happy Holidays or Bah-humbug, which ever fits you the
best.
Attended the AMM Western Territorial in Oct held at
Bent’s Old Fort. I
arrived on Friday afternoon. There were about 50 folks in
camp. About 10 head of horses/mules. Group feed was held
Friday evening, Darko outdid himself; lots of period
correct and delicious food. Brad and Bill tried out their
bull boats on the Arkansas. On Saturday there was a
“college” given by Jeff Hengesbaugh on 2 of his
rifles. One is stamped indicating it was given by Fremont
to Carson in 1842. The other appears to be a very early
Hawkin. Jeff presented a pretty convincing argument as to
its history. A more detailed write up will be in the next
issue, I hope.
Bent’s Old Fort Traditional
Christmas Celebration was held Dec 5 and 6. The candle
light tours held each evening were very well attended,
folks were turned away as all the tours were full. The
plaza was full of folks all day Saturday. Some of the
activities included: freight wagon rides, tally pulling,
toy making in the carpenter’s shop, a piñata break,
Yule log hunt and burning. There over 1000 visitors for
the tours and during the day on Saturday, one of the
largest turnouts they have ever had. Good weather, fairly
warm but overcast. Forty volunteers were in attendance. Of
the 3 toys that were made by the kids in the shop, no
parts were left. About 120 toys were made.
Bent’s activities in 2015
March 14, 2015 Frontier Skills Day
Adults are invited to take on various roles at the fort
for a day. Be a hunter, blacksmith, trader, carpenter,
laborer, or domestic. Space is limited; pre-registration
required. Call (719) 383-5026 for information.
June 6, 2015 Living History Encampment
A training event for new park volunteers includes
classroom instruction as well as hands-on living history
work at the fort. Training course runs from June 3 through
June 7. For course information, phone (719) 383-5023.
Demonstrations for fort visitors are featured all day on
Saturday, June 6.
July 4, 2015 Old-Fashioned 4th
Enjoy an afternoon of patriotic festivities including
cannon firings, orations, games, and refreshments as the
post celebrates Independence Day in 1840s-style.
September 23 – 26, 2015 National Fur Trade Symposium
This triennial symposium returns to the Southern Plains
for the first time since 1988! Focusing on Bent’s Fort
and the Southern Fur Trade, the event will feature
scholarly presentations, informal seminars and living
history representations. For more information and to
register, visit www.2015fts.org.
December 4 – 5, 2015 Traditional Holiday Celebration
Witness the holiday pleasures and pastimes of the 1840s at
an isolated trading post. Period games, foods, and
festivities will enliven the fort. Reservations needed for
the evening candlelight tours, phone (719) 383-5026
starting November 1, 2015.
Other events that
may be on interest
June 13-21 High Plains Rendezvous,
Gary SD
June 14-20 Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous,
Raton NM
July 11-19 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous,
Lonetree, WY
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