Lester River Rendezvous blends history and entertainment into an educational community fall festival
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different era? The Lester River Rendezvous (LRR) – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year - gives you an opportunity to do just that.
“The Rendezvous is an event where a group of dedicated reenactors portray life as it was lived in the area during the fur trading era of 1770-1820's,” noted Darlene Marshall, who handles marketing for the event.
“It is a 3-day-long event, where the first two days (called Education Days) are specifically designed for area school students, then it culminates with a Festival, open to the public on Saturday, September 28th.”
The LRR provides a unique blend of education and entertainment. During the Rendezvous, each talented reenactor sets up a historically accurate campsite, where they make things like beads, butter, nails, and much more. Attendees can watch these artisans at their craft and ask questions.
LRR reenactors are passionate about their craft, and excited to share their knowledge with attendees. Photo courtesy LRR.
There will also be many vendors and plenty of food and beverages available for purchase. And there is no entry fee – the event is free to attend!
Background
As noted, the LRR is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The LRR has taken place at Duluth’s Lester Park for its entire 25 years.
The event is put on by the Lester River Rendezvous Committee, a 501(c)(3) entity consisting of a team of nine. And, of course, the event wouldn’t happen without the skilled reenactors, who must know their craft inside and out and also have a flair for performing.
“They’re all really passionate about this,” Marshall noted of the reenactors. “There’s an actual Rendezvous circuit that they travel throughout the year. Some of them are local, and some are from out of town. Most of them have jobs and take time off work to be here. It’s very interactive, and these reenactors get very immersed in their roles.”
Due to a variety of thoughtful sponsors, the “Fall Festival” – which takes place on Saturday, 09/28, from 10 am – 5 pm - is free to attend. If necessary, a rain date would be Sunday, 09/29.
For two days before the Rendezvous, elementary school-aged children are bussed in for an immersive field trip-type experience.
A child enjoys the immersive experience of Education Days. Photo courtesy LRR
Education Days
On Thursday, 09/26, and Friday, 09/27, schoolchildren will be on-site for Education Days, a special part of LRR. Here, students can experience our region’s rich history by participating in hands-on fun and educational activities.
Kids from the Wrenshall, Carlton, and Hermantown school districts, along with students from Duluth Marshall, Queen of Peace, Lakeview Christian Academy, and many homeschooled children, will attend.
“There are over 600 kids who attend, so roughly 300 per day,” Marshall said. “The kids are assigned classes, which are each 25 minutes long. A cannon goes off every half-hour, signaling it’s time for students to rotate to their next campsite class.”
Children will enjoy watching, learning, and asking questions as the reenactors demonstrate their skills and create their wares. Many of the students will receive token souvenirs to take home.
A group of school children are impressed by this reenactor’s demonstration. Photo courtesy LRR.
Fall Festival - The Event that Started it all
The main event will be held at Duluth’s beautiful Lester Park, 6104 East Superior Street, on Saturday, 09/28. However, rather than driving there yourself, please consider taking one of the free shuttle buses.
“The shuttle will stop at three local churches,” Marshall explained. “Good Hope Church (1814 North 51st Avenue East), Great Lakes Church (4501 Glenwood Street), and Lake View Covenant (1001 Jean Duluth Road).
“The busses are free and will run back and forth throughout the day. We are expecting between 8,000-10,000 attendees, so parking on-site will be difficult. We love the fact that we’re so busy and thrilled to be able to offer this free shuttle service thanks to our generous sponsors.”
Regarding the campsites, topics are varied. There is something for everyone, and the LRR is appropriate for all ages. Campsites include:
- Blacksmithing
- Muskets
- Calico printing
- Flatbread making
- Cordwaining (making shoes)
- Making and trading beads (bartering)
- Candle making
- Cannons
- Canning
- Butter making
- Cat and mouse
- Trapping
- Dutch oven baking
- Tipi
- Tomahawks
- Camp cooking
- Spinning
This “collection” of campsites was thoughtfully cultivated to be as historically accurate as possible.
LRR includes a collection of historically accurate campsites where attendees can watch artisans at their craft and ask questions. Photo courtesy LRR.
“This is a replica of a September gathering in this area during the fur trading era,” Marshall said. “But an actual Rendezvous during that time would have taken place at Fort St. Louis on the St. Louis River, where there was a trading post.”
Additionally, over 50 vendors will be at the LRR, selling clothing, jewelry, artwork, and more. Various food trucks, including Oasis Del Norte, K&D Concessions, The Gumbeaux Guys, Emma’s Kitchen, and Lake Superior Brewing, will also be on-site selling food and beverages.
Consider Attending
The Lester River Rendezvous Committee has spent the last quarter-century making the Lester River Rendezvous an authentic, must-see event for our community.
“People were just so creative, intelligent, and inventive with what was available to them in those days,” Marshall said. “I find it so fascinating how people lived as they did during that era.”
The LRR is a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy a day outside, learning and taking in all the sights together. It’s educational, fun, and, best of all, free. Attendees will undoubtedly learn something new, while enjoying a great time in a beautiful setting.
“Lester Park is such a gorgeous place, especially when the leaves are turning,” Marshall noted. “We love seeing all the happy people and the coming together of community.”
For more information, please visit lesterriverrendezvous.com, or find them on Facebook.
Please consider coming out to celebrate LRR’s 25th anniversary! Image courtesy LRR.
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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.
