Heritage Skills Day will bring the boom

Curtis Preston, 11, left, learns how to play the game “Whirly-gig” from reenactor Will Baker-Palenik, right, who was portraying a soldier from the Seminole Indian War, during the First Heritage Skills Day at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. During the event, Fort King Artillery volunteers conducted live firing of a replica of an 1841 Mountain Howitzer cannon several times during the day. There were also reenactors that gave live firing demonstrations of an historic .69 caliber French Charleville Flintlock rifle and a .50 caliber Hawkens rifle. In addition, live demonstrations were given throughout the day. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Heritage Skills Day, hosted by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Fort King Heritage Association, will take place March 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, located at 3925 E. Fort King St. 

During the event, live cannon firings will be conducted by artillery volunteers. Residents in the area may hear a series of round fired multiple times throughout the day. 

Live history demonstrations will also be available throughout the day free of charge. However, to participate in heritage skills classes, pre-registration is required. The Fort King National Historic Landmark visitor and archeology center will also be open on a limited basis. All guests must wear a face covering while inside both buildings, as well as abiding by social distancing regulations. 

For a complete list of events and other information, visit fortkingocala.com/heritageskillsday, follow Fort King National Historic Landmark on Facebook or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.