Old Fort Parker

Living History Days

Old Fort Parker Historic Site

866 Park Road 35

Groesbeck, TX 76642

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL THE TEACHERS

Dear Teachers,

Old Fort Parker will have its annual “Christmas at the Fort” celebration from

December 8th-December 11th  Student days will be Thursday, December 8th and Friday December 9^th, 2022.  We think being outdoors will help to make this event safe for the children and teachers.

The celebration will span the historical era from 1800 to 1900. There will be re-enactors representing the pre-1840’s, Buck skinners, Soldiers, Pirates, Gunslingers as well as Native American Indians. There will also be demonstrations of pioneer skills and musical entertainment. The soldiers from GOOD’s Texas Light Artillery Battalion will be doing cannon firing at scheduled times. They will have soldiers from other frontier forts in encampments that will help educate the children on pioneer life. Some of the traders will be open for business and will have many items priced appropriately for the students so they can shop while they are here. Also, a safe food booth will be open. Or you may bring a sack lunch or purchase the $3 hot dog meal for students and teachers on school days that include a hotdog, chips, cookie and a drink. Reserve lunch up until about 5 days out if needed.

The entrance fee is a $1.00 donation to go towards the upkeep of Old Fort Parker.

Please plan to bring at least one adult for every ten students. You will be asked to keep your students together in small safe distance groups and walk them through the different areas. This can be a very enjoyable learning experience. The re-enactors are very knowledgeable about the 1800’s to 1900’s, so please encourage your students to ask questions. The re-enactors can tell you what was worn, what was eaten, and about their pastimes.

Please contact Old Fort Parker at 254-729-5253 WED-SUN to make your reservations, or email oldfortparker@aol.com. There is space for the students to safe distance,  so we encourage you to make your reservations early, wear and plan for a safe event mostly outdoors.

I have enclosed some information about Old Fort Parker. Please prepare your students for a visit to the past. Your visit to this historic site of Texas history is eagerly anticipated.

Sincerely,

Karmen Hoffpauir, Society President & School Chairperson Christmas at the Fort.

Sarah McReynolds, Reservation Chairman & Fort Director 254-747-1144

CHRISTMAS AT THE FORT
(FOR STUDENTS)
RULES AND REQUESTS

1. Stay with your group. (No more than 10 students per teacher or adult.) Wear masks if possible. Keep safe distances etc.
2. Be sure to see all of the time periods represented. Ongoing demonstrations will be taking place both inside the fort and outside the fort in Trader’s Village.
3. You may shop and visit with the traders and other vendors who are open for business. Many items are priced in the $.50 to $1.00 range so the younger children can also shop for souvenirs and gifts. The Old Fort Parker Gift Shop is also available in the Visitor’s Center.
4. Please stay out of the personal camp sites. These are homes to the buck skinners and others, and may contain many personal items that are not for display.
5. Be sure to visit with the Native Americans in the dance ring in the fort who will be present to answer your questions_
6. There are a few picnic tables at the east end of the fort, as well as many shaded areas near the old spring where your students can eat their picnic lunches. Some food vendors will also be open.
7. Restrooms are located inside the fort or on the south side_ Port-a-potty’s are located throughout the area and there are restrooms inside the visitor’s center.
8. Please place all trash in receptacles provided.
9. For any emergencies, please go to the Visitor’s Center for any assistance including a telephone

PLEASE HAVE YOUR MONEY AND A HEAD COUNT READY.
YOU MAY PAY THE ATTENDANT AT THE GATE ONCE YOU HAVE
PARKED YOUR BUS.

Please bring your students for these wonderful days of Texas History.
Old Fort Parker is a nonprofit organization trying to keep the old historic site open
and the school children of Texas have helped for many years. Because of this
celebration and all the help from the school children of Texas, we were able to get
Visitor Center to add new life to a dying site. There is a plaque on the building
thanking the children for helping make all of this possible. Please take the time
when you visit to show the children and thank them for helping Old Fort Parker.