ELIZABETH, IL -- The holidays as observed at a Black Hawk War era fort will be re-enacted during Christmas at Apple River Fort to be held Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois.

 

            “Costumed interpreters will demonstrate winter activities such as wooden toy carving, hog butchering, candle dipping, sausage making and target shooting, and will present the sometimes controversial ideas from the 1830s about celebrating Christmas as a holiday,” said Apple River Fort Site Manager Susan Gordy.  Hot cider will be served around warming fires, and visitors can make 19^th century Christmas ornaments in the Interpretive Center.  The event is free and open to the public.

 

            Also, take a moment to enjoy the holidays as the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce celebrates Christmas in the Village within walking distance of the Fort on December 10 with holiday specials and treats in the stores, luminaries, and a Christmas concert.

 

            The Apple River Fort State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov), is a reconstruction of the 1830s civilian fort that was the site of a battle between Black Hawk’s Sauk warriors and Apple River settlers during the Black Hawk War.  It is located along U.S. Route 20 in Elizabeth, Illinois, and is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.