Fort Atkinson to Celebrate Independence Day Weekend July 5 & 6

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NGPC news release, 6/30/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Fort Atkinson State Historical Park and volunteer living history interpreters will celebrate Independence Day weekend on July 5 and 6.

The celebration will feature a Salute of the States on the parade ground, military demonstrations, and celebrations by soldiers and civilians and a special reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The park’s staff and volunteers will practice on Saturday for the formal event on Sunday. The park will be open on both days and the public is invited to attend either or both days.

On Sunday afternoon, the fort musicians will sing and play songs that were presented at a July 4 celebration in 1824. The concert will take place at the Locust Grove near the Council House. Ice cream and beverages will be served by the Ft. Atkinson Foundation.

Located nine miles north of the I-680 48th St. exit, the park is home to a reconstructed 1820s military fort. Volunteers portray military life of the period during the first weekend of each month, through October, from 10:30 am to 5 p.m. No fees are charged; however a current Nebraska Park Permit is required for each vehicle.

Visitors should stop by the visitor center to view the museum displays and the “First Tribal Council” sculpture before walking down the path into the fort and into the past.