Nov 26, 2022

Santa making an appearance at Fort Larned Open House

Posted Nov 26, 2022 5:00 PM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

Even the reindeer need to rest ahead of a big day of Christmas deliveries. That's why Santa will be driving a horse-drawn carriage at the Fort Larned Christmas Open House on Dec. 10. A free event for the entire family, Park Ranger Celeste Dixon said it's a good way to remember some of the sacrifices soldiers made then and now.

"We want to emphasize that Christmas, just like it is today, was an important family time for the soldiers, and the officers and people stationed at the fort," she said. "It's a special celebration."

All events are free for the Open House, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be living history and cooking demonstrations. A blacksmith will be in his shop, and there will be soldiers walking around the fort. Cider and coffee will be available in the visitor's center. But the star of the show will be Santa.

"Santa's actually going to be driving the carriage, so people will get their picture taken with Santa, and then they can ride in the carriage," Dixon said. "Then they'll come back and pick up the pictures that will be printed for them."

Santa will be wearing an old-fashioned suit for the Open House, located at the Fort Larned National Historical Site, approximately 5.5 miles west of Larned.