Visitors to Lake County Parks' Voyageur Rendezvous this weekend will not only get an 18th-century Indiana history experience, they'll also get to experience a venue not typically open to the public, Big Maple Lake at Deep River County Park.
This will be the 29th year for the Voyageur Rendezvous, but this year the event will relocate almost 20 miles north of the usual site due to construction on a bridge over the Kankakee River.
"We had to decide whether to cancel it or move it," event coordinator Dawn Robertson said. "Historically speaking, the Voyageur Rendezvous belongs at the Grand Kankakee Marsh. That this event was going on at a site with a historical connection was important. But this year's site is beautiful — and it's big. This site will also allow for easier access for people who live in the northern end of the county or even in Illinois."
The Voyageur Rendezvous welcomes visitors into encampments of French Canadian voyageurs, French and British militia, civilians and settlers, and Native Americans. Artisans will demonstrate some traditional crafts of those times. The nearly 100 costumed re-enactors adhere to details of the time period in their costumes and camps, according to Robertson, and share that sense of history with visitors to the event.
"When we equate the voyageurs to something today we tell the kids to look at all the trucks on the road. When voyageurs were here, this area was the wilderness. The rivers then were like the highways today, and were very important to the history and the development and the economic growth in the area," Robertson said.
"The rendezvous is fun for all ages, and it's immersive — sights, sounds, smells and activities to join in," Robertson said. "The opening ceremony is so special. I wish everyone who was coming would see that and then stay."
There was emotion and pride in her voice as Robertson described the ceremony that begins the historical re-enactment festivities each day at 10:30 a.m. and presents some perspective to the event.
"The British military, French military and civilian re-enactors come from the camps and the Native Americans arrive. They meet at the flag pole. One of the re-enactors holds up a wampum belt in a gesture of welcome. Then three flags are raised: the French, British and historical American flag of the time as the fife and drum corps plays the song of each nation from that historical period."
A little later, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the voyageurs arrive. Their landings are another highlight of the event as they paddle in with their big canoes loaded with goods.
"Historically, the voyageurs landed and exchanged gifts with the natives first, before any trading. They might spend a whole day exchanging gifts," said Rick Narjes, a re-enactor who has been involved with the event since it started. "After the gift exchange, which was generally with the men, most of the trading would be done with the women. The natives had the furs and the number one item the voyageurs would bring was textiles."
Both Narjes and Robertson said visitors are encouraged to ask questions. The re-enactors are well read about the period of the voyageurs and participate in events like this to share that knowledge with visitors.
Robertson added, "We encourage children to stop at the trading post when they come in and pick up a scavenger hunt list. This list is not items to collect, but rather items to look for at the event. Talk to anybody in costume to get information on the list item you're looking for and get them to sign the form. When you're leaving, bring the completed sheet back to the trading post to trade for an item."
Other scheduled activities include canoe "bobber races" at 1 p.m. and storytelling at 2 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday there will be a period clothing fashion show at 1 p.m. and the public will be invited to join in historic dances at 2 p.m., accompanied by the fife and drum corps. There will also be historic games and make-and-take projects at the trading post, tomahawk throwing for older children, and fife and drum music on both days. Food will be available at the site and there will also be a vendor of period items.