By Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau
Historic Fort Hays invites families, friends, and visitors to celebrate Independence Day at Prairie Picnic at the Fort on Friday, July 4, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. This special community event commemorates America 250 with an evening filled with history, music, family activities, and patriotic fun before concluding with the Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular.
Guests can step back in time and enjoy vintage baseball, historical reenactments, live music, food trucks, an old-fashioned photo booth, and interactive experiences throughout the Fort. Admission is free, making Prairie Picnic at the Fort a perfect destination for families looking to celebrate the Fourth of July together.A free hot dog feed, courtesy of Walmart and Dillons, will be available while supplies last. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the evening enjoying live entertainment, historical demonstrations, and the unique atmosphere of Historic Fort Hays.
Event Schedule4:30 p.m. – Vintage Baseball featuring the Post Nine and Hays City 9
5:00 p.m. – Free Hot Dog FeedMeal includes chips and bottled water while supplies last, courtesy of Walmart and DillonsMusic by the Hays City Band
5:30 p.m. – Storytime with the Bookmobile6:00 p.m. – Live Music with Sweet Remedy
7:00 p.m. – Historic Reenactment: Spirit of '76 at the Officers Quarters
7:30 p.m. – Live Music and Dancing with Anthony and the Anamals
9:00 p.m. – Historic Reenactment: Spirit of '76 at the Officers Quarters
9:30 p.m. – Live Music with Sweet Remedy
10:00 p.m. – Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular
Additional Activities Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy:
- Old-Fashioned Photo Booth
- Country Western Troubadour Dave Zerfas
- Historical Figures and Living History Interpreters
- Food Trucks
Prairie Picnic at the Fort is made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors: AutoWorld, Culligan of Hays, Dillons, Hearing Solutions, Hertz, Midland Marketing, Midwest Energy, Restore and Clean, Shelter Insurance – Tim Kohlrus, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Taco Bell, Thirsty's Brew Pub & Grill, Vanderbilts, Walmart, and Werth Eye Group. We would also like to offer a special thank you to the Hays Municipal Golf Course Men's Association for grilling and serving hot dogs during the community hot dog feed.Prairie Picnic at the Fort offers a unique opportunity to celebrate America's birthday where Kansas history began with an unforgettable evening of community, heritage, music, and fireworks at Historic Fort Hays.For more information go to VisitHays.com.