What is it: This is a chance to experience firsthand the traditional sights, smells and sounds of the holiday season at Fort Vancouver.
Lantern walk: This is an after- hours tour of the fort at night. Adults attending the program will carry their own lantern and take a tour led by a park ranger. The walk will go through the Fur Store, the Counting House and Bake House. Participants will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. Some costumed volunteers are stationed in some of the buildings to add to the character of the evening. People finish the tour with hot cider and a question-and-answer session.
When: Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The lantern tours start at 7 p.m., but participants should arrive no later than 6:30 pm. Tours last 11/2 hours. Tours continue into January and February.
Lantern walk cost: $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15 years of age. The walk is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Where: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver, Wash.
Park history: The fort was built by the British Hudson’s Bay Co. It later served as a U.S. Army post and a detention center for American Indians and Italian prisoners of war.
Park hours: The visitor center and reconstructed fort are open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. On Sundays, the visitor center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the fort is open noon-4 p.m.
Park entrance fees: During regular hours, admission is $3 adults, $5 families and free for children 15 years and younger.
Information, reservations: Call the visitor center at 360-816-6230.
Jeffrey P. Mayor, jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com
