By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
For more than a century, Fort Clark stood as one of the most important military outposts in Southwest Texas, helping protect the frontier and shaping the history of the region.
Saturday, that history will come to life when more than 100 vendors will sell their wares and thousands will come through the fort’s gates, driving mustangs instead of riding them, to enjoy Saturday’s celebration, and fundraiser.
“All the money raised goes back into our community council, a 501c3 and they start planning next year’s event,” said Charlena Cavendar, Fort Clark Springs executive director.
Organizers are quick to point out that admission is free for the family-friendly event, but there is a nominal $5 charge for parking.
The event is going to embrace the Old West, as they put living history front and center featuring a Wild West gun fight, camels and buffalo soldiers, to name a few parts of the day.
One of the highlights of Fort Clark Days each year is the nearly 100 living historians who recreate daily life at the historic frontier post.
The historians come in from across the state and Southwest. They’re dressed in period clothing, participants portray soldiers, scouts and civilians from the fort’s early days, demonstrating everything from military drills to frontier crafts and camp life. The reenactors help visitors better understand what life was like at Fort Clark during its years as an active U.S. Army post
There will be plenty for people to see, do and hear:
- Cannon firing demonstrations throughout the day
Visitors learn about the history and traditions of the Lone Star State from the living historians visiting Brackettville. Doug Baum, living historian, is known for bringing camels from his ranch in Waco, Texas, and talking about their usage for transportation during the Civil War. (Photo by Lou Zykla) - Buffalo Soldiers and frontier military history exhibits
- Live music on multiple stages
- Arts & crafts vendors and food vendors
- Photography walking tour
- Museum tours and historic wagon tours
- Camel Corps presentations and frontier demonstrations
- Saturday night street dance
Cavender said it’s an event that keeps growing. “We find that every year, as people visit our event, they want to come back and they bring friends,” Cavender said.
