National Historic Trails Interpretive Center ‘Holiday on the Homestead’ fast approaching

CASPER, Wyo. — Next month, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will host its annual Holiday on the Homestead on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Every year, Trails Center staff and volunteers enjoy celebrating the holidays with the community, strengthening ties between family and friends, and providing a fun experience for everyone to enjoy,” interpretive technician Kathleen Hanson said.

Performances, programs and activities taking place during this year’s Holiday on the Homestead are as follows:

Live Performances and Programs

• Live pioneer music by the Merchant Family: 10–10:45 a.m.
• Singing and dancing with the Big Horn Basque Club: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Live hand bell performance by the Phoenix Ringers: 1–1:45 p.m.
• Military Encampment — Join living historians as they portray military life on the frontier: All day
• Seymour Antelope — Hang out and have your photo taken with the Bureau of Land Management’s mascot, Seymour Antelope: All day

Hands-on Activities

• Snowflake making — design a one-of-a-kind snowflake to hang on the lobby wall
• Cookie decorating — frost your own tasty holiday cookies
• Ornament making — craft a snowflake with various knots or a holiday tree with wood and fabric
• Ribbon bow making — create a bow out of ribbon to place in your hair
• Knot tying — learn knots and enter a special drawing for prizes
• Pony Express letters to Santa — write a letter and watch as the Pony Express rides off on horseback to deliver it to Santa
• Prairie Sweet Shop — enjoy Dutch oven dipped treats

The celebration is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Wyoming Food for Thought Project. 

For more information, people can call the Trails Center at 307-261-7780 or go online here.