FORT BAYARD DAYS
SEPT. 21-23, 2018
The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society will host “Fort Bayard Days” at Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark September 21-23. The event celebrates the significant role that the fort has played in local, regional and national history since its founding in 1866.
The celebration will commence with an evening dinner program on Friday, September 21 at the New Deal Theater, located on the east side of the historic parade ground at Fort Bayard. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the meal to follow. After the meal, Mr. Jim Eckles will speak on the history of Deming’s Camp Cody, which served as a training base for soldiers being prepared to head for France as part of the American war effort during the First World War. The program is free, but patrons wishing to dine should make reservations and obtain pricing information by calling Dr. John Bell at 575-574-2573 or 575-388-4477, no later than Sept. 19.
On Saturday, September 22, the day’s events will begin with a flag raising ceremony at 9:15 a.m. on the parade ground. Historical reenactors, Native American presenters, and guided tours of the museum and fort grounds will be available immediately following the ceremony. At 1 p.m. a military band concert will be presented at the gazebo near the parade ground by the Arizona Territorial Military Band. Lunch will be available from onsite vendors. The daytime events will conclude with an old style baseball game at nearby Bataan Park, located less than one mile south of the parade ground, tentatively scheduled for 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. At 7 p.m. a Military Ball will be held in the New Deal Theater, with live music provided by the Territorial Military Band.
On Sunday, September 23, the flag raising ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the parade ground. The band will provide a short concert beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an interdenominational church service, and military chaplains' presentation beginning at 10:30. A potluck lunch will be held after the service. Another baseball game at Bataan Park will cap off the day’s events, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Closing ceremonies will be held at the flagpole at 3:30 p.m.
Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark is located 1.3 miles north of US Highway 180, across the highway from the Village of Santa Clara, and 6 miles east of Silver City.
There will be fun and activities for all ages during the celebration. All events are free (with the exception of food), and donations are welcome. For more information, call Cecilia Bell at 575-388-4477 or Dr. Doug Dinwiddie at 575-388-4862.