LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Frontier garrison life will be featured at Fort Scott National Historic Site over Labor Day weekend. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 4th - September 6th, staff and volunteers will offer programs in recognition of soldiers and women who served and worked at Fort Scott during the 1840s.

As you enter the site, stop in the visitor center and pick up a schedule of activities. Step back in time and experience the smells, sounds, and sights of an 1840s military fort. Join us for programs featuring military drill and blackpowder firearms demonstrations. Watch laundresses hard at work washing and mending soiled laundry. Visit with the post baker to learn the recipe for army bread. Programs begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude each day with the last program at 4:00 p.m.

A special feature will be on Saturday, September 4th at 2:00 p.m.when you can learn about the music and dances of the mid 19th century. Red Stradley and Ralph Carlson of Fuss and Feathers will play the music for dance instructor Mike McCartney and his daughter Katherine to demonstrate the dance steps of the 1800s. Come join in the fun as you learn the steps for the Grand March, Waltz, Polka, Jenny Lind Polka, Broken Six Pence, Money Musk, Marry Ann's Delight, High Country, Virginia Reel, Awe Shucks, Grand Square Quadrille, Portland Fancy, La Contra Danza and Varsouvianne. For those of you wanting to learn new dances or just refresh your skills this is your chance. Later in the month, you will be able to try out your new steps at the Military Ball that will be held Saturday evening September 25th during Frontier Days. Norman Hughes from Colorado will be performing at the ball.

Also, learn more about Fort Scott by visiting eleven buildings with exhibits and historically furnished rooms. Fort Scott National Historic Site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. There is an entrance fee of $3.00 for each adult age seventeen and above. Children sixteen and under are admitted free of charge. For more information, call Fort Scott National Historic Site at 620-223-0310.

Join us each day in celebrating and honoring our Nation's history. The schedule of activities and talks for each day follows:

Saturday, September 4

• 10:00 a.m. - Bread, Sweat and Tears - Bake-House Talk
• 11:00 a.m. - Historic Weapons Demo
• 1:00 p.m. - Guided Tour
• 2:00 p.m. - Virginia Reels and Contras - 1840s Dancing
• 3:00 p.m. - Historic Weapons Demo
• 4:00 p.m. - Flag Retreat

Sunday, September 5

• 11:00 a.m. - Bleeding and Purging - 1840s Medicine
• 12:00 noon - Historic Weapons Demo
• 1:00 p.m. - Guided Tour
• 2:00 p.m. - A Stitch in Time - Post Laundress Talk
• 3:00 p.m. - Historic Weapons Demo
• 4:00 p.m. - Flag Retreat

Monday, September 6

• 11:00 a.m. - Civilians at Fort Scott
• 1:00 p.m. - Guided Tour
• 3:00 p.m. - Soldiers of Manifest Destiny
• 4:00 p.m. - Flag Retreat