SAN ANGELO, Texas — If you've ever wondered how the holidays were celebrated in old Santa Angela, Christmas at Old Fort Concho will take you back to the days when soldiers lived at the historic fort.
Visitors from near and far have enjoyed the sights, sounds and treats at Christmas at Old Fort Concho for more than 40 years.
Organizers have stayed busy preparing for the three-day event which runs Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8, on the Fort grounds; but they could use some help. Volunteers are needed to help make the event, which serves as the fort's largest fundraiser, a success.
The highly-anticipated and heavily-visited event hosts a wide array of events including shopping, food vendors, live reenactments of cowboy life in Santa Angela from the award-winning Concho Cowboy Company, a Fort Concho Enterprise period baseball demonstration and artillery demonstrations that can be seen and heard (as far away as the mall) at the top of each hour (except lunchtime).
One of the most anticipated traditions is the Lions Pancakes with Santa event. The breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Stables at Old Fort Concho, 2010 Henry O. Flipper St. Tickets are $10 per person for breakfast only or $15 for breakfast and admission to the fort and can be purchased from any Lions Club member or at the Fort Concho main office.
The gingerbread house and Christmas cookie display in the fort's Quartermaster Building will feature creations from local and area students. Deadline for submissions for both contests is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.
Santa's House Christmas Tree Festival will feature a room full of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations on display for the community. There's still time to get in on the decorating festivities. Contact Diana Wilcox at 208-540-0717 for more information.
Fort Manager Bob Bluthardt says entertainers are needed to fill spots at the two venues available at the event. It's a time to volunteer your time and talent and get exposure, Bluthardt said.
Because the weekend celebration coincides with the anniversary of attack of Pearl Harbor, Bluthardt said there will be a group of World War II reenactors set up in the camp on the parade grounds. A special ceremony to honor those who served and who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor is planned.
For more information on Christmas at Old Fort Concho and a complete list of events, visit fortconcho.com.
