11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fort Tejon’s Old Fashioned Family 4th of July and Cannon Salute

“We hold these truths to be self-evident…that all friends and family are invited to our Fort Tejon State Historic Park’s Fourth of July Celebration! So pack your picnic baskets and coolers and come celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way, as it was celebrated in 1856,” said Karina Mooradian, president of the Fort Tejon Historical Association. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the valley oaks. There is no food for sale.

Enjoy Living History demonstrations of army life at Fort Tejon exhibits, including U.S. Army horsemanship, the blacksmith’s shop, barracks life, army weapons and equipment of the era and civilian life at Fort Tejon.

The cannon’s roar starts at 12 noon, sharp. A 31 cannon salute honors each state in the union in 1856. Then join in a series of games people played at 4th of July celebrations in 1856, such as tug-o-war, sack races, three-legged races, 1850s baseball and a pie eating contest.

Fort Tejon is just north of Lebec, off the Interstate-5 at the Fort Tejon exit. There is a small admission fee for this event: Adults $5; Children (7-17 years) $3; Under 6, free. Family discounts and discounts for scouts in uniform are offered.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. AARP Celebrates Our Nation’s Birthday

Maxine Jarvis is sending out an invitation to all: “Join us on July 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Frazier Mountain Park Senior Room (in the community center) for our annual July 4th get-together. This will be a potluck (finger food) luncheon. Come to enjoy the afternoon with your friends. We will play cards and dominoes in the afternoon. Hope to see you there.”

2 p.m. Cuddy Valley 4th of July Horse Parade

A 4th of July horse ride through Cuddy Valley is being organized by Leesa Ripling (661.245.2289). 
“I’m asking everyone to dress (and decorate their horses) with red, white and blue patriotic accessories. I’ve loaded up on July 4th decorations from the Dollar [Tree] in Castaic, so it should be quite the patriotic spectacle,” Ripling said. Meet at 2 p.m. on July 4th at the mailboxes on Steinhoff Road (at the top of Cuddy Valley, just before the Mil Potrero ‘Y’) for a ride that will loop through Cuddy Valley (with a section along Cuddy Valley Road that will be visible to the public. See you at 2 p.m.!

5 p.m. 4th of July Community BBQ and Picnic

“Our first 4th of July Community BBQ and Picnic will be at Frazier Mountain Park starting at 5 p.m,” said Carol Johnston of Your Tshirt Man (661.245.2350 or 245.1194). “We will serve free hot dogs and drinks. Bring a side dish to share. There will be games for kids ages 3 to 99,with a ‘Celebration of Lights’ with light-up toys and glow sticks provided by the organizers. No fireworks are allowed!
“We just want to be a blessing to our community in the name of Jesus and share God’s love in practical ways!” Johnston said.

Photo captions:

Far left: A 31 cannon salute at 12 noon sharp at Fort Tejon State Historic Park is followed by (left) family games from the 1850s, such as this egg toss.

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This is part of the July 3, 2015 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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