DECEMBER 4th-6th, 2020, Christmas at the Fort (Concho-San Angelo) is in place, this is the largest event in San Angelo for each year. I've been there 2-3 times and always a memorable experience. See information below, and please make your reservation as soon as you can, the hotel is holding rooms for us but apparently other folks are calling wanting rooms too.
Ed Anderson, 1 of our charter members from the Southern District from 1980, has put a lot of work into making these arrangements, and we need to support his effort by going ahead and getting a place to stay in order to free up other rooms for other non-Pcar drivers. you can read all about Christmas at Old Fort Concho here: Christmas at Old Fort Concho. You will have your choice of 3 days in San Angelo, although most folks will be there for 1 night and 1 day, there is a great place there to have some wiener schnitzel ( AND NOT HOT DOGS) , and I'll call them a week or so in advance to be sure they have enough for a run on the schnitzel.
As we get closer to the event, we will continue to blast this info out to our members, suspects, prospects, and P-car drivers, but when the rooms are gone, you are on your own and good luck. The town will be full of people including a local High School Homecoming. The fort and people there will be dressed out in 1870's period uniforms, costumes, etc. bring your camera.
We have a couple of members in San Angelo, and are looking forward to renewing our friendship with them.
OPEN TO ALL P-CAR DRIVERS, MEMBERS OR NOT.
Please call for your reservation this week, get it out of the way. More info about drive out convoys, dinners and meeting will be coming out later, This is also a great event to invite your P- car driving buddies to come join in on the fun and jocularity. Be sure they get a room reservation.
THANK YOU ED, FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER!
WTR PCA TRIP TO FORT CONCHO, SAN ANGELO
DECEMBER 4th-6th, 2020
Friday: 3:00 pm-8:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season by visiting Fort Concho's largest annual event. Held during the first full weekend in December, Christmas at Old Fort Concho transforms the fort's forty acres and twenty-four buildings into a winter wonderland. Each day at Fort Concho visitors can experience the Winter Rendezvous, campsites with hundreds of re-enactors and period traders who bring the 1800s to life. During daylight hours the many troops on the Parade Ground will drill, ride, and shoot their weapons. The artillery demonstrations (blanks-of course) will definitely catch your attention! Inside the fort's many original buildings, merchants and artisans from across Texas and the Southwest offer many items to start your Christmas shopping. A Food Court will offer various food options; strolling musicians and staged musical activity will keep the grounds lively, and the Children's Areas will provide many crafts and activities free for all youngsters.
ALSO TO DO: San Angelo has the Concho Christmas Lights, the Art Museum, the Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Symphony’s Concert, the Railway Depot “Trains with Santa,” and much more. Check the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce web site at www.sanangelo.org.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Chamber of Commerce recommends that you make reservations, as this first weekend of December gets very busy. WTR has acquired a block of 15 rooms at the San Angelo Courtyard which must be reserved by November 20, 2020. The Courtyard is blocking 10 rooms with one king-size bed, and 5 rooms with two queen-size beds. This kings also have a pullout sofa. The cost is $89 per night, plus taxes, etc. We will send you a link through which you can book online, or call them directly after we get the paperwork done. You can stay either December 6, December 7, or December 6 and 7.
WHERE TO GET TICKETS: The Fort’s Visitor Center at Barracks 1 (northwest corner of the Parade Ground; entrance through the glass doors—see the Information sign) serves as a ticket center, information center, and lost/found area. You can also call the Visitor Center at (325) 657-4444; e-mail at Admin@FortConcho.com.
WHEN SHOULD WE GO?: The best hours to avoid the crowds are the first few hours (3-5 pm) on Friday, and the opening hours (11 am – 1 pm) of Sunday. This event has a full slate of activities all weekend long during regular hours. Some folks like the evenings when the Parade Ground campfires are glowing; some prefer the daytime; others beat the crowds and arrive just after the event opens.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE: The average temperatures are 33-36 degrees first thing in the morning, warming up to about 60-65 by mid afternoon, with light SW winds. December is one of the drier months in San Angelo. Can be very cold, or very nice.
PARKING: Almost 1000 parking spaces are located west and north of the site in a variety of paved, lighted lots.