May 28, 2008

The Midwest’s largest gathering of 1700s era soldiers, settlers, traders and campers, the 38th Annual Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres, will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, at Fort de Chartres State Historic Site near Prairie du Rocher.

Rendezvous features 1700s military units, traditional craft demonstrations, period music and dancing, an 18th century fashion show, black powder shooting events, cannon firings and more from the time when France controlled what is now the State of Illinois. All activities are free and open to the public, and many feature public participation.

Each day’s activities begin with the Opening Ceremony and Posting of Colours at 10 a.m. The Retreat Ceremony ends each day’s activities at 4:30 p.m. Father Rafi, St. Joseph’s Church, Prairie du Rocher, will lead Mass at Fort de Chartres Chapel at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 8.

The River Gate Food Court will feature a variety of period food, drink and musical entertainment under a large tent. A period dance for participants and visitors will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday inside the fort.

The Historic Creole House in Prairie du Rocher will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days for tours. Sponsored by the Randolph County Historical Society, the tours feature an updated history of the house including oil paintings of the Henri family from the 1850s. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Those who utilize the special event parking area near Fort de Chartres will be charged $5 per car and $10 per bus. There will be no modern camping facilities.

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov), is located four miles west of Prairie du Rocher and 37 miles south of Belleville. Take Route 3 to Route 155 and follow the signs. For more information call (618) 284-7230, email ftdchart@htc.net, or visit www.ftdechartres.com on the web.