CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Fort Laramie National Historic Site invites everyone to join their Annual “Old-Fashioned” Fourth of July celebration. For many years, Fort Laramie NHS has been a cherished part of Independence Day festivities in southeast Wyoming. This year’s event promises a day filled with activities for all ages.
The festivities kick off at 9:30 am and will continue until 5:30 pm, offering a full day of enjoyment. Admission to the park is free on the Fourth of July, as it is every day. Fort Laramie National Historic Site is committed to celebrating Independence Day in an authentic frontier style. The dedicated team from the National Park Service (NPS) welcomes the public to bring their friends and families and immerse themselves in a day of fun-filled experiences.
The day begins with a military flag-raising ceremony at 9:30 am on July 4. At 10:00 am, the popular Old-Time Children’s Games commence on the parade ground in front of “Old Bedlam.” Kids of all ages can participate in sack races, pole climbing, foot races, and more. Every participant will receive a ribbon, and prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each event and age group.
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, retired National Park Service historians Paul Hedren and Jerome Greene will be available for book signings outside the park’s visitor center. Hedren and Greene have extensively researched Fort Laramie and the American West, with notable publications such as Hedren’s “Fort Laramie & the Great Sioux War” (1988) and Greene’s “American Carnage, Wounded Knee in 1890” (2014).
At 11:00 am, The Merchant Family will delight attendees with a fiddle concert featuring 19th-century emigrant and military music. This special performance will take place at the bleachers north of the visitor center in the artillery demonstration area. Noon marks a moment of excitement as park staff, dressed in period clothing from the 19th century, fire two Model 1841 Mountain Howitzers for a 38-gun salute on the parade field. Following that, at 1:00 pm, singer Hank Cramer will captivate the audience with his music at the bleachers north of the visitor center. At 2:00 pm, the Trotters Equestrian Drill Team will showcase their skills on the parade field.
The Pony Express demonstration will take place at 3:00 pm near the bleachers, followed by a wonderful concert performed by The Merchant Family and Hank Cramer at 3:30 pm. Children aged 7-12 are invited to gather on the parade field at 4:30 pm for the “Junior Soldier’s Drill.” The day concludes with an evening Retreat Parade at 5:15 pm, bringing the day’s activities to a memorable close.
Join Fort Laramie National Historic Site for a delightful and nostalgic Fourth of July celebration that captures the spirit of the past and commemorates the nation’s independence.
