Fort Hall Replica opens Saturday

Arguably, there aren’t many places around town that will give anyone and everyone free chili that has been stewing over an open flame in the middle of a town square – but come to Saturday’s seasonal grand opening of the Fort Hall Replica and that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Doors open at 10 o’clock in the morning, and admission for the entire day is free to anyone who attends.

Memorial Day weekend usually marks the time when the replica re-opens for the season, before it comes to a close on Labor Day weekend in September.

Fort Hall Replica Commission Chairman Gerald Waggoner (and sometimes “town Sheriff” of the replica) said this year, for the first time, there will be original, hand-crank sewing machines, along with quilters, a flag raising ceremony, and numerous other activities to make guests feel as if they are back in 1834.

He explained the importance of having the replica in the community.

“This was built to commemorate the original Fort Hall trading post that was lost forever due to high waters and the fact that it was deconstructed and the adobe bricks were used elsewhere,” Waggoner said.

The opening is Saturday June 3, and the address is: 3000 Avenue of the Chiefs, Pocatello