A Pre 1840 Rendezvous, is when mountain men come down to meet with flat landers (city folks) and sold or traded their hides for supplies. Rendezvous began about 1825 and ended in 1840. There was no longer a demand for beaver pelts. There was only one Rendezvous a year and was held in various midwestern states. Most Rendezvous would last for about a month, with a lot of partying, drinking and gambling.
Today, most Rendezvous last over a weekend. With various games like tug-of-rope, sack races, log cutting, shooting matches, hawk and knife throwing. You're able to buy anything from snake skins to bear teeth. All cooking is done on a wood fire or baked in a Dutch oven. You can learn how to make a bow and arrow set, learn to make flint arrow heads, leather crafts or stringing beads.
Any one can come for a visit. You don't have to camp or participate. You can just watch and enjoy. Most Rendezvous have modern camping close by. |