By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Fort Larned National Historic Site just west of Larned on K-156 Highway is always in search of volunteers. The site is now looking for volunteers for its popular firing demonstrations. Park Ranger Ben Long said a training day is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, and anyone 18 years of age or older may volunteer.
"We supply everything that everyone would need, especially at the start," he said. "That training day can be a little intensive, but once you go through that you'll be able to help out with the firing demonstration at various events like our Memorial Day weekend, our Fourth of July event, and our Labor Day weekend, especially."
Volunteers will be trained on Springfield Model 1861-63 muzzleloaders, a similar P53 Enfield, and a Model 1841 12-pounder Mountain Howitzer. Historically, forts around 1868 were required to have four of the cannons. Fort Larned has four of the cannons, all working, though only one is typically used at demonstrations. Long said the demonstrations are fun and educational, but safety is the priority.
"The army, just like today, had safety standards set in place," he said. "Sometimes, we modify them just a little bit to be a little safer because we want to make sure everyone goes home with all their appendages. When you're working with black powder, you definitely want to make sure you're safe, especially with the muzzle-loading guns like we have."
A backup training date of Saturday, May 4 is scheduled should the April 20 training be affected by inclement weather. Anyone interested in volunteering can call the park at (620) 285-6911, or email [email protected].