Grand Portage Rendezvous Days Friday – Sunday, August 9 – 11 offers something for everyone. History buffs can spend some time at the voyageur encampment.
The first rendezvous of native Ojibwe, voyageurs, fur trade agents and company partners at Grand Portage was over 200 years ago. However, according to the Cook County News- Herald archives, the current version of Rendezvous Days—a mixture of activities at the historic fur depot and a traditional powwow, as well as more modern competitions— began just about 50 years ago. That tradition continues Friday – Sunday, Aug. 9 – 11.
A July 26, 1962 News- Herald article titled Grand Portage All Set For First Rendezvous Days describes a two-day weekend event. The article notes that there will be voyageurs, traditional dancing, a bagpipe band from Canada, speakers, canoe racing and more.
There is some doubt about exactly when Rendezvous Days began— some say Rendezvous has always taken place, just not as formally as it does now. But no matter when Rendezvous Days began, it has grown to one of the North Shore’s premier events with something for everyone.
The Grand Portage Traditional Powwow offers drumming, dancing, great food and arts and crafts.
History comes alive at National Monument
At the Grand Portage National Monument, visitors can walk through history at the stockade and the encampment just outside the gate. There is lots to do—catch the 18th century puppet show; watch the Rugged and Dainty Voyageur contests; listen— or join in—during the 18th century music jam; watch lacrosse or take a workshop. There are courses such as finger weaving, basic blacksmithing, tinsmithing, haggis making and more.
In the Grand Portage Heritage Center, visitors can see history come to life in the film produced entirely in Grand Portage by the National Park Service and Great Divide Pictures, Rendezvous with History: A Grand Portage Story. They can also learn about the connection between the rugged North West Company territory and the city streets of London in an exhibit called Furs to Fashion.
In a wonderful melding of past and present, the Rendezvous events at the Grand Portage National Monument will begin with the Grand Portage Stonebridge Singers at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9. The stockade and historic encampment are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by the Grand Portage Heritage Center for a full schedule of events for the national monument. The Heritage Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Powwow events
Visitors and tribal members are invited to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa powwow to see the dignified flag raising, grand entries and ceremonial dancing. Take a chance in the Rendezvous Raffle with its $1,500 grand prize. There is delicious food for sale, such as Indian tacos, strawberry shortcake, and more. Check out the beautiful arts and crafts for sale and visit the veterans’ tent.
The powwow begins with a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. Grand Entries are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. A princess and brave contest to name Grand Portage royalty is at 3:30 p.m.
And, of course, Rendezvous Days offers some thoroughly modern events, such as the Old Timer’s Softball game, the mixed softball tournament, the 1-or 3-mile walk-run, bingo at Grand Portage Fire Hall and entertainment at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino.
Evening entertainment at Grand Portage Lodge
This year the Sweet Papa Dave Band will be the featured band on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. featuring former Cook County resident David Hart. On Friday, August 9, Grand Portage Lodge hosts a comedy show featuring Ron Kanutski, Todd Genno and Patrick Cheecho.
For more information on these events, call the Grand Portage Lodge at (800) 543- 1384.
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