5th Anniversary of Fort Clatsop Replica Observes Christmas 1805 Style

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park announces Fort Clatsop’s Holiday Open House Sunday, December 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This is the 5th anniversary of the Fort Clatsop replica opening after a fire destroyed the original replica.

Fort Clatsop will come alive with the sights and smells of the holidays. Visit the fort during the season when the Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed near the Pacific Ocean.

Holiday open house activities include:

• The Star Spangled Banner flag raising at the fort at 9:30 a.m.
• Volley of gunfire flintlock programs at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Christmas 1805 ranger talks at 12:00 p.m. and 4 p.m.  A special night flintlock volley of gunfire follows the 4 p.m. talk.
• Tallow rendering and candle making will be continuous from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• The Star Spangled Banner retiring of the flag at 3:30 p.m.
• Ranger-led discovery walks on the Netul Trail at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

After visiting the fort warm-up in the visitor center with hot apple cider and participate in hands-on children’s activities.

A special guest speaker presentation by Elita Tom, Getting to Know Sacagawea, is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in the visitor center Netul River Room.

At 2:00 p.m. three short films from the park’s 2011 Teen Film Camp will be premiered and visitors will have a chance to interact with the filmmakers in the Netul River Room.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the walks and most of the programs outside of the visitor center.  The park, including the Lewis & Clark National Park Association bookstore, is open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Special winter ranger programs are also planned for each day from December 26 through January 1.