Sunday program tracks Fort’s evolution

LARNED – Labor Day at Fort Larned was a mixed bag for weekend visitors and Fort staff alike, because Mother Nature intervened.

Opening day Saturday was dampened with intermittent rain that kept some, but not all, visitors away. Key to the day was tea time with Mrs. Nolan, portrayed by local resident Kristin Keith, which was an indoor event.

Rains from the day before were drying up on Sunday, still evident by lunchtime on the wooden footbridge leading from the parking lot over the risen Pawnee River.

Outdoor events such as the Springfield rifle demonstration, Cavalrymen on horseback on the parade ground and the popular Cannoneer’s Hop howitzer firing demonstration went on as scheduled.

Mother Nature, however, did present Chief Ranger George Elmore with a hitch in his Sunday afternoon pr