At a rendezvous, you could build a fire with flint and stone …
While we missed festivals during the pandemic of 2020, it’s exciting to see rendezvous events being scheduled for summer 2021. Do check websites below for updated info about weekend times and activities. While there still aren’t many, more are organizing now that outdoor events are deemed safe. I listed what I could find at this time.
Will these rendezvouz be FUN? Oui. Who wouldn’t like to:
- Be a soldier in battle,
- play an Indian flute,
- square dance,
- try lacrosse or other games,
- build a fire with flint and steel,
- visit a tepee,
- watch a beaver being skinned,
- paddle a Montreal canoe,
- bargain with a trader
- or shoot a bow and arrow.
Festivals feature re-enactors, both voyageur and Ojibwe, plus foods, crafts to buy, classes, cultural displays, so these rendezvous are also unique and historical.
2021 summer events
or try an old gun …
Cannon River Rendezvous (Stanton, Minnesota) May 27-31, 2021
Test your skills with rifle, pistol, knife, tomahawk, flint and steel, cooking and more. Twin Cities Muzzle Loaders host this rendezvous at 2153 Highway 19 Blvd, Stanton. http://www.tcmlc.com/uploads/1/2/7/6/12763685/crr2021_registration_flyer_website_long.pdf
Snake River Fur Post (Pine City. Minnesota), grounds open June 4, 2021
Early June event has not been rescheduled. Fee is $8-10 site admission/Minnesota Historical Society members free. For more information, visit http://www.mnhs.org/furpost or call 320-629-6356. The Snake River Fur Post is at 12551 Voyageur Lane, Pine City.
Fort William (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada)
Mid-June event has not been scheduled. Past years: Anishnawbe Keeshigun celebrated indigenous culture and traditions with entertainment, hands-on activities and artisan demonstrations. For more information, visit https://fwhp.ca/festivals-events. Fort William Historical Park is at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay. Also, Canada may not yet be open to US visitors.
or peruse the cargo …
Fort Union Trading Post (near Williston, North Dakota) phased reopening
Mid-June rendezvous has not been scheduled. Courtyard and historic Buildings are open but Bourgeois House Visitor Center and restrooms may not be. Near the confluence of the upper Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, a most imposing site. The parking lot is in Montana while the post itself is in North Dakota! For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/fous/planyourvisit/rendezvous-information-for-participants.htm.
Faribault Heritage Days, (Faribault, Minnesota) June 16-19, 2021
Held in Central Park, not far from the 1826 Alexander Faribault House and trading post. In past years, La Compagnie re-enactors have displayed historic goods and a replica North canoe. Also enjoy lumberjack games and fun community activities. Free. For more info, visit https://www.faribaultheritagedays.com/.
or visit an Ojibwe wigwam …
Yellow River Echoes at Forts Folle Avoine (Danbury, Wisconsin) June 25-27, 2021
Reflections of our Past re-enacts fur traders and Ojibwe during 1802-1805. Visit North West and XY Company posts and the Ojibwe village, play games of the era and observe food prep, blacksmithing and other primitive skills. Tickets range from $10 (adults) to free for children 5 and under. Forts Folle Avoine is at 8500 County Road U, Danbury. For more information, visit http://www.theforts.org/ or call 715-866-8890.
National Canoe Day (across Canada) June 26 every year
The day is celebrated in various locations on or near that date. Grab a paddle and find your own way to appreciate canoes.
Canada Historic Places Day July 4
Honoring a variety of sites across Canada, which may not be ready to receive US visitors.
or see how a beaver is skinned …
Museum of the Fur Trade (Chadron, Nebraska)
Fur Trade Days usually the second weekend of July but not yet scheduled. The Museum of the Fur Trade is 60 miles south of the Black Hills, at 6321 Highway 20, Chadron For more information, visit https://www.furtrade.org/ or call 308-432-3843.
Days of Yore 2020 (Didsbury Alberta) July 31-August 1, 2021
Re-enactors and Aboriginals represent life at Edmonton House Brigade and 19th century Canada. Many demonstrations and activities from other eras: Vikings, England, Germany, Canada, Yankees, World War I). Living history village, with battles all day (sword fights, big cannons, live combat, archery), pipers and fifers, sing-a-longs, storytelling, heritage arts and traditional crafts. At Rosebud Park From Calgary: drive north on Hwy 2 (QE II Hwy). Turn west on Exit 326 onto Highway 582 (towards Didsbury). Go 4 miles west to Didsbury just off Secondary Hwy 582 (20th Ave). For more information, visit http://www.mountainviewartssociety.ca/daysyore/ or call/text 403-512-9888. Remember your smart driver’s license or a passport.
or make your best trade …
White Oak Rendezvous & History Festival (White Oak Society Fur Post, Deer River, Minnesota)
Held early August but not yet scheduled. Past years: Living history interpreters at 1798 Northwest Company Fur Post focuses on frontier life, historical education, entertainment, food, shopping and workshops. Demonstrations on blacksmithing, medieval weaponry, armor, soldiering, cooking, woodworking. At White Oak Learning Centre & White Oak Fur Post near Deer River. For more information, visit http://whiteoakhistoricalsociety.org
Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow (Grand Portage, Minnesota)
Second weekend of August but not yet scheduled. Past years: Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow recreates the 1730-1804 fur trade rendezvous. Re-enactors demonstrate historic skills and the annual NWC partners’ meeting, tours, exhibitions and children’s programs, music, dancing, cultural and craft demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe), At Grand Portage National Monument. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/grpo/planyourvisit/aboutrendezvousdaysandpowwow.htm or call 218-475-0123.
or try a new skill …
Old Wadena Rendezvous Days (Staples, Minnesota)
First weekend of August but not yet scheduled. Past years: Canoe the Crow River — led by a traditional birch bark canoe, then learn about rope making, native plants, Indian flutes, square dancing, muzzleloaders and local history. Food, music, artisan demonstrations and Chautauqua sessions (including Ray Boessel, Jr, the Bigfork, Minnesota, birch bark canoe builder). Old Wadena Park, Old Wadena Circle, Staples. Admission $10 for adults, ages 12 and under free with adult; family max of $25. For more information or directions, visit www.oldwadenarendezvous.org.
Fort Under Siege at Fort William (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada)
Mid-August, but not yet scheduled. Past years: Struggle between the North West Company (Montreal) and the Hudson’s Bay Company (England) with a historic battle HBC forces, led by Lord Selkirk, threaten NWC’s Fort William’s gates. For more information, visit https://fwhp.ca/festivals-events. Fort William Historical Park is at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Also, Canada may not yet be open to US visitors — if it is,bring your passport or smart driver’s license.
or taste bread being made …
Festival of the Voyageur at the Snake River Fur Post (Pine City, Minnesota)
Third full weekend in September festival not yet scheduled. Past years: Re-enactors for Ojibwe, voyageurs and fur traders prepare for winter trade. The Snake River Fur Post is at 12551 Voyageur Lane, Pine City. For more information, visit http://www.mnhs.org/furpost or call 320-629-6356.
River Rendezvous (Bloomington, Minnesota)
Held late September but not yet scheduled. Past years: Dakota Heritage Society tours of Gideon and Agnes Pond 1840s house and Dakota Mission. Re-enactors of American Indians, fur traders and early settlers in Minnesota, story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstration. (School groups M-F that week). River Rendezvous is at Pond-Dakota Mission Park, 401 East 104th Street. Bloomington. For more information, visit https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/river-rendezvous.
or take part in a battle.
Lester River Rendezvous Lester Park (Duluth, Minnesota)
Late September, but not yet scheduled. Past years: Food and craft vendors, Voyageur Village with re-enactors and demonstrations of 18th century life. Family event. Lester Park is at 61st Ave. E. and Superior St., Duluth. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LesterRiverRendezvous/.
2020 North American Voyageur Council Fall Gathering (Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota) November 4-7, 2021
Conference for individuals interested in the Great Lakes/Canadian fur trade: workshops, speakers, demonstrations and exhibits. At Camp Lakamaga in Marine on St. Croix. To participate, become a member ($10 annually), visit http://www.navoyageur.org/fg.html.
Final Thoughts
- If you can’t participate in real life, take the “novel” approach and read — Book 1: “Waters Like the Sky” or Book 2: “Treacherous Waters” paperback or ebook. Now on special!!
- Subscribe to this blog—it’s free! Share it.
- Join me on Facebook for updates and quirky discoveries.
- Book me as a speaker for your group.
- Ask your library, gift shop or school to buy copies of “Waters Like the Sky” or “Treacherous Waters.”
Thank you very informative, love experiences Holy Spirit Bless, -Bible,Maria