Above: A young boy dressed in the period of the voyageurs plays on a rope ladder. Left: Dressed in their best regalia, children dance at the Grand Portage Pow-Wow celebration. File photos
We’ve all “been there and done that”—childhood, that is! This year’s event focuses on growing up in the fur trade. Come to Grand Portage August 10 -12 and get a glimpse of the “lighter side” of what it must have been like to be a child growing up in the 1790s era. There is a lot to discover, and better yet, there are no electronic devices necessary to enjoy the 18th century’s version of “child’s play” with a variety of activities including programs, workshops, and music that will bring out the “inner child” in us all!
But, first, a special opening ceremony featuring the Grand Portage Tribal Drum, The Stone Bridge Singers, will take place at the historic stone bridge. We will re-dedicate this recently restored culturally and historically significant landmark in Grand Portage. The ceremony will be Friday at 10 a.m. at the stone bridge.
Grand Portage National Monument Superintendent Craig Hansen said, “The stone bridge has been a fitting backdrop to rendezvous past and a central feature in the community since it was built in 1938. A re-dedication to celebrate the work that has just been completed, while at the same time honoring the legacy of the original construction, is a great way to kick off this year’s event.”
Again this year, we will have all the traditional favorites of Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow, but, many come with a “kid’s point of view” including: a program entitled “Too Old for the Tikinaagan, Too Young for the Paddle” and make-and-take workshops focusing on kids’ games in the 18th century, with a chance to try the games. Come learn how to play!
Watch and learn about traditional lacrosse and cheer on your favorite team in a live lacrosse match. Hear stories and songs of the voyageurs. Learn about the daily lives of Ojibwe people, French voyageurs, and the European partners of the famed British North West Company. Making a return to the event is Cook County’s own storyteller, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux with enchanting stories for kids of all ages.
Other special activities at Rendezvous this year: “Dem Critter Boys” will present an engaging program using puppets to help kids enjoy learning about the natural lifeways and fur trade connection of many of our woodsy neighbors; and special musical guests, “Eric & Arty” playing the music of the Upper Missouri including traditional favorites on guitar and banjo. Musicians Kelly and Ray James along with other talented musicians return for our 18th Century Music Jam.
These professional musicians mix it up and entertain all with a wide variety of music to echo the very tunes their predecessors played to regale those attending Rendezvous in the 1790s. On Saturday afternoon and evening, the North Shore’s own amazing musical ensemble, “Over the Waterfall,” will play tunes for all to dance to under the summer moon over Grand Portage Bay. Come dance, and enjoy the music!
In addition to the music, demonstrations and contests, you can visit with nationally renowned historic firearms expert Mark Sage, and visit with a variety of 18th century crafts/ trades artisans. Explore a reconstructed 1790s fur trade depot, Ojibwe village, and our historic voyageurs’ encampment. Try your hand at making cornhusk dolls and voyageur action figures, fire starting with flint and steel, and watch as the roughest men of the Old Northwest and the daintiest of ladies compete in a voyageur pentathlon.
The event is free and open to the general public. National monument rangers and costumed historical re-enactors help bring history alive in this fun-filled weekend event.
The Ojibwe pow-wow is hosted by the Grand Portage band, and includes traditional food, music, craft stands, softball tournament, a turkey shoot, races, and much more.
This is the weekend to be in Grand Portage— please join us!
For more information on the Rendezvous, contact Grand Portage National Monument at (218) 475- 0123. You can also visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/grpo for an event schedule.
Leave a Reply