Old Fort Parker to host Soldier Muster, Pioneer Event

History buffs will want to attend the Soldier Muster and Pioneer Event this coming weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, at Old Fort Parker.

Re-enactors and historians from Fort Concho and other forts will come to Fort Parker to demonstrate what life was like in the pioneer days and what skills were needed. A pioneer family with cow, horse and chickens will portray pioneer life.

The event will feature more than 100 re-enactors, eight cannons, some blacksmiths, laundresses, pioneer families, animals and more.

Admission is only $2 for adults; $1 for children 6-11. Activities begin at 9 a.m. both days and continue to after 6 p.m.

A silent auction, open to the public, continues both days at the Visitors Center, with the auction closing at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Concessions including barbecue sandwiches and soft drinks will be available.

“There will be a lot to watch,” said Old Fort Parker Director Sarah McReynolds, who suggested attendees might like to bring lawn chairs. “This is a time to learn about the Texas frontier forts and their importance to the development of Texas. There will be something going on all day.”

Friday night will have an awesome night cannon display, she noted, and on Saturday there will be a real wedding between two of the cannon regiment.

The marriage couple will be in period dress, and a cannon display will accompany the wedding.