Historic re-enactors, tales from the pages of local history, a roaring fire and a mug of hot tea are part of the recipe making for a popular annual event taking place this Saturday.

Stories by the Campfire is growing in popularity and this year the organizers have more activities.

"Mark Forsythe from CBC's BC Almanac will be attending this year," added Michelle Duncan, a Metro Vancouver Parks acting park interpretation leader.

Forsythe, the author of The Trail of 1858, will be there for a 2 p.m. session of stories and tales.

The campfire will be going to keep people toasty as well as provide them the chance to cook bannock over an open fire.

In addition to the bannock cooking, people can check out dog hair spinning demonstrations, a First Nations tradition, Duncan explained.

There will also be musket firing demonstrations by members of the Royal Engineers in their period costumes, fiddle music, storytelling, interactive storytelling with help from the Fort Langley National Historic Site and more.

"You will enjoy being transported back in time at the site of the first fort in B.C. as stories are told, history is revealed, and you try some hands-on demonstrations," she said.

Bring a mug (for a hot beverage) and dress for the weather. Stories by the Campfire runs 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 16 at Derby Reach Park's Heritage Area (on Allard Crescent north of 96th Avenue and four kilometres west of Fort Langley).

"We will have a large tent in case of rain, so yes, the event proceeds rain or shine," Duncan said.

The event is presented by Metro Vancouver and the Derby Reach/Brae Island Park Association, with help from the national historic site and Royal Engineers.

Best of all, attendance is free, and appropriate for all ages.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com