“Rendezvous” is an Educational and Entertaining Kid-Friendly History Event

Here is something fun for the family to do this weekend, June 4 and 5.  Go to the 41st Annual Fort De Chartres Rendezvous.  The “Rendezvous” is a recreation of an Eighteenth Century traditional French fur trapper’s holiday encampment. 

The event will take place at Fort De Chartres, a partially rebuilt eighteenth-century French fort. The stone fort, built in the 1750s and abandoned in 1771, has been partially reconstructed to provide a glimpse of life in Illinois under the French colonial government. Fort de Chartres is an Illinois State Historic Site. 

The fort is located about an hour’s drive from Manchester and Town and Country. It is located near Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. The drive over good roads is very pleasant.  Take I-255 east across the J.B. Bridge to IL 3 south. Go about thirty miles south on IL 3. Turn right onto IL 155.  Follow the road through Prairie du Rocher. You will see the fort about five minutes past the town on the left. There are good signs leading you from Illinos Route 3 to the fort.  (Using MapQuest or your car’s GPS will ensure that you easily find Prairie du Rocher, IL.) 

Re-enactors, who, during Memorial Day weekend, began setting up their primitive tents and laying out their trade goods (which will be for sale) are in period costume and acting the part of eighteenth century traders.  

The rendezvous is co-sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.  Re-enactors are required to maintain (as best as possible) the illusion that this event is taking place sometime between 1720 and 1820. Modern conveniences such as plastic tarps, aluminum cots, drink cans, plastic food packaging, and coolers are to be concealed. Aluminum lawn chairs, radios, tape players, gas and kerosene lanterns and stoves are prohibited. No knife or hawk throwing is allowed in camp.     

Events commence on Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5, at 10:00 a.m with an opening ceremony and the Posting of Colours ceremony.  Events continue until the 4:30 p.m. Retreat Ceremony. 

The “Rendezvous” is a must see event for history buffs and parents looking for an educational and entertaining kid friendly event. 

EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

10:00 a.m.       Opening Ceremony & Posting of Colours

                             W. Malcolm Duncan, Drum Major

11:00 a.m.       Traveler's Dream - French Colonial Music.  (stage # 1)

                             French Marines of Fort de Chartres Drill   (on the parade ground)

11:30 a.m.        Great River Fife and Drum Corps of Godfrey, Illinois  

                             (On the parade ground)

12:00 Noon    Dr. Theophratus von Gerlach

                             The Future of 18th Century Medicine (stage # 1)

                             The Booneslick Strings - Traditional Music   (stage # 2)

1:00 p.m.          Vignette of a Slander Trial at Fort de Chartres presented by the Ladies and                               Soldiers of the Fort de Chartres French Marines. (Stage # 1)

1:30 p.m.          Prairie du Rocher La Guiannee Society with the String Connection.                                     Traditional Music  (Stage # 1)

1:45 p.m.           Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps - Lafayette, IN 

                              (On the parade ground)

2:15 p.m.            18th Century Tactical Demonstration with a Native Parley 

                                 (On the rifle range)

3:00 p.m.          42nd Royal Highlanders Band of Pipes, Fifes, and Drums. 

                              West Lafayette, IN     (On the parade ground)

3:30 p.m.          18th Century Fashion Show - Hosted by Ted Mueller   (Stage # 1)

4:00 p.m.           The Booneslick Strings - Traditional Music    (Stage # 2)

4:30 p.m.            Retreat Ceremony