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Rendezvous will return to Prairie du Chien for 42nd year

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No running water or electricity is allowed for the participants in the 1840s camp portion of the annual Rendezvous in Prairie du Chien. So there’s plenty of time for relaxing, like this gentleman did while also showcasing his wares. (Courier Press file photo)

By Rachel Mergen

 

Big River Long Riffles is once again bringing the Prairie Villa Rendezvous to Prairie du Chien. The event will be held on St. Feriole Island, Thursday, June 15, through Sunday, June 18, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. The Rendezvous is one of the most popular, as well as free, events in the area and welcomes the entire family, including pets. 

The Rendezvous started 42 years ago on much smaller grounds than it’s on today. Originally starting only on the grounds of the Villa Louis, the event now covers six blocks of Prairie du Chien. Since its rise, many more games have been added and the number of traders has escalated greatly, turning it into one of the largest trade rendezvous in the Midwest. 

The event is set up as a pre-1840s encampment, ready to immerse attendees into a history that is unknown to many. Daniel Boone, American pioneer and explorer, is a defining character of the time portrayed during the weekend. 

With music always playing somewhere and many unique details to experience, the event is desirable to every member of the family. The style of clothing is likely the first detail to standout to a newcomer. It can easily be defined as “funny,” but there is a traditional reason for it. All participants are required to dress in pre-1840s fashion. The women wear long primitive dresses. Men wear britches and shirts that are made out of fabric commonly used in the era. 

In addition, participants are required to live in period housing, like teepees and wall tents. Every year, a wood cabin is also brought to the site. No running water or electricity is allowed during the event. Karla Witzig, vice president of Big River Long Rifles, said the lack of running water and showers is the only thing she misses from her normal life, but she candidly reminds herself that everyone there lacks the privilege of being clean and smells the same. 

To likely disappoint some living in this day and age, there is also no internet or Wi-Fi. The lack of social media doesn’t concern those participating though, because phones are also limited from being used for the weekend. This lack benefits the Rendezvous, allowing it to be a moment to reunite the community. People can be seen conversing and telling stories together, without checking their cell phones every few moments. 

“I enjoy it because of the simplicity,” Witzig stated happily. She finds great joy in the peacefulness of the weekend. She believes that the unique atmosphere allows for a great escape from a normally hectic life.

The Rendezvous is certainly not an event meant to be missed. Traders present sell primitive, handmade items. An attendee can buy everything they would need to become a buck skinner. 

The event allows participants to take a look back in time, according to Witzig. Unlike many other eras in history, there are not many videogames popular that teach the youth anything about the pre-1840s, so events like the Rendezvous are important to add to the knowledge they may have already received from reading a textbook. 

Witzig commented that the gathering is “an opportunity to take a step back in time and learn what it was like to live then.” The opportunity helps expand the minds of both children and adults.

Many events and opportunities are available each year. One of the most popular events is Saturday morning at 9 a.m., when there will be a black powder competition rain or shine. Other events will include a medallion hunt, kickball game, sling shot shoot, primitive bow shoot, knife and hawk throw and a flint and steel competition. Richard Blackhawk Kapusta will perform music and tell stories during the weekend.

Also, there will be games focused on children and women. A few of these games include hanging clothes to dry and the buffalo bladder toss, which is actually a yellow water balloon. Prizes will be available for those who participate in the games.

Many demonstrations will  occur throughout the weekend. Located at individual camps, blacksmithing, storytelling and pottery, along with other activities, will be displayed.

A cooking contest, one unlike most, will take place during the weekend. The items cooked during the contest can only be made over an open fire. All ingredients used must have been available prior to 1840.

Many options for food will be present during the event. Witzig advised that attendees don’t miss the Indian tacos, popcorn, kettle corn, root beer and buffalo jerky.

“Remember when…” is a popular sentence starter during the Rendezvous, according to Witzig. She said one of the best parts of working at the grounds each year is being able to see people who she might only talk to once a year, along with being able to sit around in the evenings and recount fond memories. 

“With all the technology we have in the world, it’s an opportunity to use our imaginations,” Witzig said, as she recalled moments that standout to her. She remembered how attendees would make up their own games to entertain themselves. She reminisced about a little girl who offered to paint people’s faces for money, so that the child could buy an item she wanted. 

Each year, much work is put into planning the Rendezvous. The goal of the Big River Long Rifles is to make sure the event stays free for families throughout the years. 

Planning for the event starts in August. The organization begins by looking over financial and attendance information. From this point, they then begin writing grants to avoid any fees. The second Sunday of every month, members unite to work out all the necessary details from this starting point. 

Even though much work is put into it, Witzig said she enjoys doing it. She claimed those working on the event are “not only friends, but family.” The work is performed smoothly, like a “well-oiled machine,” and is done with love. 

“Families that Rendezvous together, stay together,” Witzig declared cheerfully as she showed her appreciation for those who attend the event each year. 

More information about Rendezvous, including a list of events, is available at http://www.bigriverlongrifles.com/events.htm.

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