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Step Back In Time At Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's Holiday Celebration

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Published Date

December 1, 2016

Volunteers lead a tassel-making demonstration during Christmas at Fort Vancouver/NPS, Troy Wayrynen

The era of westward expansion could be harsh on settlers along the Pacific Ocean, particularly during the winter, but the holidays brought reason to celebrate. At Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Washington, the sights and sounds of the 1840s will be revived at the annual Christmas at Fort Vancouver event on December 10.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the site will host myriad festivities inspired by the Victorian Era, including caroling, dancing, story-telling, games, cooking, and blacksmithing and black powder demonstrations. The park will provide materials needed to make wooden toy tops, wreaths, tassels, and potpourri ornaments that can be used to decorate a home or given as gifts. Costumed re-enactors will be on hand for photos. Admission is $5, with free entrance for kids 15 and younger.

Ranger Mike Twist leads a black powder demonstration at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site/NPS, Troy Wayrynen

“For the diverse fur trade community that lived here in the 1840s, the holidays were a time to come together and celebrate,” Acting Chief Ranger Bob Cromwell said in a release. “For many years, this event has been bringing together our diverse modern community. We hope that everyone who comes to Christmas at Fort Vancouver will not just learn about history, but will also find new ways to celebrate this season of togetherness.”

In conjunction with holiday activities at the reconstructed fort, Friends of Fort Vancouver will host A Celebration of Birds at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Artist Joy Pomaika’i Hou’oli O’Hearn will demonstrate the traditions and techniques of Hawaiian feather art from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, children will be able to build and take home birdhouses (supplies limited), and volunteers will help children make pine cone bird feeders.

For a full schedule, visit Fort Vancouver’s website.

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Comments

Submitted by Rick B. on December 1, 2016 - 11:15pm.

I've enjoyed my visits to Ft Vancouver in the past, and this sounds like a nicely enhanced experience I wish I could make.


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