Be part of a growing crowd for Rendezvous
The Prairie Villa Rendezvous is such an opportunity for people of all ages and interests to enjoy demonstrations of what life was like in the 1840s in Prairie du Chien. If you don’t go to learn or experience the culture, you’ll at least want to stop down to St. Feriole Island, June 16-19, for some good food, flea market wares, music and music and for something free to do on a nice day. (File photo)
By Correne Martin
The Big River Long Rifles are hoping for great weather and encouraging everyone to stop in at the Prairie Villa Rendezvous, June 16-19, on St. Feriole Island. Whether you’re camping on site, or just visiting, there will be plenty of food, flea market wares, contests and 1840s life-like fun all weekend.
“Last year, we had 148 campsites,” said Julie Rosauer, treasurer of the Big River Long Rifles. That number was down significantly from 400-plus modern and encampment sites in 2018, which was the last year the Rendezvous took place prior to a flood in 2019 and COVID-19 in 2021.
However, pre-registrations are up from previous years, heading into next weekend’s 45th annual Rendezvous.
“We have Blackhawk coming back. He will sit and do his music throughout the weekend, just up from the French log cabin (St. Germain dit Gauthier house),” Rosauer said. “Annie and Gary, members of the GrassRun Band, will also be on site playing their old-time instruments at various times all weekend.”
Watch for the chalkboards at each corner of the camp side of the grounds, which will have the events for the day posted. Events will include competitions for both kids and adults, such as flint and steel, black powder, etc.
There will also be ongoing demonstrations such as blacksmithing, pottery making, weaving, storytelling, bead making, music and more.
Food vendors expected are the traditional fry bread and smoked turkey leg vendors, along with others bringing fish, rootbeer, popcorn, sassafras—something for everyone, she said. Udder Brothers Creamery, of Boscobel, is also bringing its popular ice cream truck.
The St. Germain dit Gauthier house will be open all weekend and the Big River Long Rifles will be monitoring it and welcoming those interested in touring the newly refurbished historic site.
Of course, the Prairie du Chien Fire Association is hosting its well-attended flea market on the river side of the grounds. Again, there will certainly be picking possibilities for every shopper.
On Saturday, the Long Rifles will host a Celebration of Life for their longtime “game lady” from noon to 4 p.m. at the pavilion closest to the Reed House.
“One year, she brought 88 children to participate in the games at the Rendezvous,” Rosauer recalled.
Set-up of the campsites will begin this Sunday, June 12, on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien. The inmates from the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution will be helping with the fencing on the island.
One generous donor has provided two prizes of $100 cash each, one for a food vendor and one for a camper.
“He thought, with the high gas prices, it might help encourage more participation for us,” Rosauer said.
She added, there’s another gentleman who has donated enough wood for the weekend for the campers.
Plus, a Girl Scouts youth group from Cassville will be staffing the gates Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Long Rifles will be making a donation to the club to use toward a big field trip they have planned.
More reservations will be accepted up until the big event.
So, spread the word, or simply stop down with family and friends to the Rendezvous, and enjoy some entertainment, food and free education about Prairie du Chien’s roots, next weekend, June 16-19. For this year’s full schedule of events on site, visit prairierendezvous.com.
