Department of Parks
Fort Harrod to Kick Off Holiday Season and Present Civil War Living History

HARRODSBURG, Ky. – The holiday season officially kicks off at Old Fort Harrod State Park November 14-15, 2008 with its annual Holiday Special and an open house at the park gift shop.  Stroll through the front grounds of Old Fort Harrod State Park where over 1,000 glowing candles will guide your way.  Step back in time and enjoy a candlelit tour of the 18th century fort replica that is complete with furnished cabins, blockhouses and a unique state park gift shop stocked with great items.  Santa Claus will await all visitors, young and old, and your visit will not be complete without enjoying holiday music, hot apple cider and homemade cookies.  The hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The cost is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children.

On November 15-16, Old Fort Harrod will present its second annual Civil War Living History Program. This living history program will give the general impression of a mid-19th century Civil War atmosphere. There will be approximately 50 living historians portraying Union army soldiers and civilians in Harrodsburg after the Battle of Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862. This area will be interactive with the public and all participants.  Historical speeches will also be given on the Battle of Perryville, Harrodsburg's conditions after the battle and the history of Harrodsburg.  The hours of this event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is free and open to the public.  For more information on the event, please contact Robert Preston after 5 p.m. at 859-734-2116 or 859-621-1537 or Joan Huffman at 859-734-3314. 

Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Commonwealth’s first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, is located on South College Street in Harrodsburg (on the corner of U.S. 127 and U.S. 68). In addition to the reconstructed fort and period reenactors, the park features a picnic shelter, playground and gift shop.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.