Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I've seen several rendezvous events--they're all the same. What makes yours different? - A. A.

A. One thing we know you will not see at any other event: the interpretation of our very own rich and unique local heritage covered by all aspects of this event. Our event is actually a unique multi-period event that spans the 1790s to 1890s and covers a range of themes from our local pinery camp/steamboating heritage to our local fur trade heritage. Our region was the important hub of the western Great Lakes fur trade during much of the American Fur Company era. Also, the North West Company operated a post in this area during the late 1700s, so of course we represent that heritage with a rendezvous encampment.

Q. I'm an educator, and I've heard about your highly regarded School Day event. How can I bring my history class to this special event? - P. W.

A. Call or write us to make arrangements (see address/phone below). Make your reservations early, because we have a limit on the total number of students that can attend. Be sure to check out our School Day page for the basic program details.

Q. Is there blackpowder competition at this event? - S. K.

A. No. We do not have a blackpowder range to date. Our primary role is education and interpretation, but we do have demonstrators & reenactors who explain and fire blank rounds in small arms and cannon as part of their presentation. Don't worry, there will be plenty of blackpowder smoke to breathe and earth-shaking muzzle blasts for you loyal 'smokepole' fans to savor.

Q. I plan to participate in your event this year, what is the era of your event? - W. N.

A. The event actually covers several eras from 1790 to 1890. The festival grounds are separated into three time periods: 1) the pinery camp and steamboat era spanning 1860-1890; 2) the late fur trade era of about 1840 when William Aitkin operated his post in our area; and 3) the fur trade era that spans the 1790 to 1830 period. The pinery camp/steamboat era includes reenactors/demonstrators/exhibits which represent the period of immigration, the railroad and pioneer living. The 1840 presentation of Mr. Aitkin's era covers the late American Fur Company years. The rendezvous encampment is a size representation of a period interior trade camp and relates to the western Great Lakes fur trade in the North West Company era.

Q. I participate in rendezvous events around the country that have much bigger trade camps and cover many, many acres. I really like your event, but why do you limit the size of your rendezvous trade camp? - T. E.

A. This is a little like comparing apples and oranges. Modern-day blackpowder rendezvous encampments, as you mentioned, sometimes are quite large and feature sanctioned shooting events. They also often include representations of the Rocky Mountain and Southwestern fur trade to attract a broader range of shooters/campers. As our event focuses on educational interpretation, and is not a blackpowder shooting event, our goal is to provide the proper feel of a late eighteenth-century interior trade camp common to northern Minnesota.

Historically, large rendezvous encampments (of about 1000 men) in northern Minnesota typically only occurred at places like Grand Portage (the North West Company headquarters) where company men, voyageurs and partners gathered once a year. We believe our unique perspective prevents school children from getting the impression that huge rendezvous encampments commonly took place in the interior regions of northern Minnesota during the era we represent.

From a vendor perspective, there are only so many period trade items that traders can actually sell that are historically correct, and a huge encampment would only offer endless duplication of those same items. Our trade encampment size is designed to provide proper interpretation of our regional heritage while avoiding the 'period flea-market' atmosphere that a huge trade camp would bring. The public likes the variety and quality our traders offer and the traders love our rendezvous--so the formula must work.

Q. I'm a rendezvous enthusiast and history buff. I'd like to know if it is appropriate to come as a spectator in period dress, even if I'm not part of the event staff or one of your rendezvous campers? - J. R.

A. By all means! The idea of our history festival is 'time-travel' and nothing gets one in the mood for the experience than dressing the part--in fact we encourage it (...and no, it's not mandatory). We suggest that you choose an era of our event you wish to represent and do a little research on what folks wore then. If you really have an urge to seriously get into the act, you may even wish to try following the same guidelines of historical accuracy our own reenactors go by. If you have any questions in regard to this aspect, e-mail us at booshway@hotmail.com and we'll gladly help out. Go ahead, try dressing the part...you'll get hooked...that's how most of us got our start.

Q. My sister is getting married in Iowa on the Saturday of your event and I won't get back home until late Sunday. Is there any way I can attend your festival on Friday instead? - K. O.

A. Sorry, Friday is reserved for School Day and is closed to the general public.

Q. I'm interested in participating in your event as a period musician (or... reenactor / period trader / demonstrator). What's the scoop? - K. B.

A. Please contact us at the phone number or address below for latest information.

Q. I'm not a rendezvous trader, but I like to period camp with my family. Do you allow family period camps? - J. B.

A. Family camps are the marrow of our event! We strongly encourage family period camps because this is the most enjoyable way to experience period time-travel. As a period camper, you are expected to dress period and maintain a period camp--our guidelines are similar to all rendezvous events. If you are interested in period camping, contact us via e-mail or by phone (listed below) for details. If you are a newcomer to period camping, feel free ask us any questions you may have regarding period camping or our period camp rules and guidelines. This is an activity that you will easily get hooked on--and it makes for a cherished family outdoor experience! ...and don't worry, seasoned rendezvous folks are always happy to help newcomers (pilgrims) out with advice on accouterments, dress and lodges.

Q. I've heard talk around the rendezvous circuit that your rendezvous trade camp is open to traders or campers by invitation only. Is that true? - P. B.

A. Not true, everyone is invited. Because we self-limit our rendezvous trade camp to proper historical proportions, we do have a limited number of sites available (especially on trader's row). Sites are available on a first-come / first-served basis and can be reserved in advance. Caveat: register with us early so that you can guarantee access. Ask anyone who has camped our event, they will tell you that our rendezvous sites can fill-up fast. Contact us as soon as possible at our e-mail address or phone number below for more info, or to reserve a spot!