Big Pool, Md. – Experience pleasant diversions from military life at Fort Frederick during the French and Indian War as members of the recreated Joshua Beall’s Company and Alexander Beall’s Company garrison the fort. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm for special evening programs Saturday, October 24, 2015. The fort will be closed 4 pm to 6 pm to prepare for the evening program of fun Saturday. Sunday, October 25, 2015 hours are 10 am to 4 pm.
“This program gives our visitors a chance to take part in some of the ways people in the 18th century had fun” said Ranger Bob Study. “They will also have the opportunity to visit the fort after dark by candlelight. This is the only time during the year that visitors can have this experience.”
Highlights of the event include:
1030 am & 130 pm - Horatio Hunnybuns Saves the Day Puppet Show – a rollicking 18th century adventure based on a period puppet show.
1100 am & 2 pm - Foot Races on Parade Ground and Around Barracks – children and adults can compete for fun in sprint races and a distance run around the fort.
1130 pm & 230 pm - Gurning for Cheese – bring your strangest smile to compete for the funniest face in the fort.
12 pm & 3 pm – Firing at Marks – the best shots in the fort will demonstrate the use of smoothbore muskets on the firing range as the fire at targets.
1230 pm & 330 pm – Trap Ball – try your skill with bat and ball during this 18th century field game.
1 pm – A Musical Diversion – learn how music helped to cheer the fort as well as give direction on the battlefield.
From 1000 to 400 each day visitors of all ages will be able to play with toys and games of the era as well as try their hand at games poplar in 18th century taverns.
On Saturday, October 24, 2015 the fort will close at 4 pm to prepare for an evening of fun and festivities by candlelight from 6 to 8 pm. Kick off the evening at 6 pm with the lighting of a Guy Fawkes Night Bon Fire. Then visit the fort to take part in an evening of merry making include period songs, games, dancing and illuminations. Last admittance to the program at 8 pm.
For the evening program please bring a flashlight to ease your passage to the fort. For more details please contact the Park Visitor Center at 301-842-2155.
Food, gift, and souvenir items will be available for sale at Captain Wort's Sutler Shop. Captain Wort’s will remain open until 8pm Saturday evening. As well as programs in the Fort, the Parks visitor centre and exterior museums have more exhibits about its history, including uniforms, artifacts, and a 10 minute video.
There is a service charge of $3 per car for Maryland residents and $5 per car for non-Maryland residents for this event. Disabled access is available; however, most of the event activities are situated on grassy areas that may present difficult rolls or walks. Please dress for the weather. Alcohol is not permitted in Maryland State Parks.
Fort Frederick is located off of Rt 70 exit 12 at State Route 56, Big Pool, MD. For more information about the Garrison Weekend or other Fort Frederick activities, please call the park at 301-842-2155 during the office hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekends.