By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Christmas season is in full swing around the Golden Belt. One big tradition in the area is the Christmas Open House at the Fort Larned National Historic Site just west of Larned. Park Ranger Ben Long reminds the public that this year's event is free to the public on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
"It's a come-and-go-as-you-wish kind of event," he said. "We'll have light refreshments, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, 19th-century games, crafts, cooking demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, that kind of thing."
Santa will be dressed in an era-appropriate outfit, and Long said this year's event will feature some new crafts and maybe new games.
"It's always a good time for the whole family and a good way to kick off the Christmas season, for sure," he said. "The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The only days we're closed throughout the year are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. It's also free those other days, too."
The Fort Larned National Historic Site is located approximately seven miles west of Larned on 156 Highway.