Free Trappers Rendezvous to return to Hardin

By Editor | September 7, 2022 |

By Carissa Sitki

Jersey County Journal
Last year was Calhoun County’s first time playing host to the Free Trappers Rendezvous and the popular event will be making its second annual appearance in the county next month.
The Rendezvous, sponsored by the Free Trappers of Piasa Territory, will be at the banks of the Illinois Riverfront in Hardin on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
The event brings pre-1840 American history to life with things like traders, demonstrations, period attire, and more.
Formerly held in Grafton, the event had a last minute location change, landing them in Hardin, which according to the organizers could have impacted crowd numbers. With the festival’s return this year, however, they are anticipating a larger crowd as the event becomes more established in its new location.
“It went well last year, but we are expecting it to be even bigger this year,” said Free Trappers of Piasa Territory member James (Bear) McDonald Jr. “The site change was so last minute that there were people who told me they didn’t know we had moved and that they had driven out to Grafton. This year, I think we’ll have larger numbers for both vendors and crowds. We’ve had a lot of people comment on our Facebook page and send us emails, so there’s definitely a lot of interest.”
The relationship between Hardin and the Free Trappers is growing, according to McDonald who said that the village has been very easy to work with.
“We’ve loved working with Hardin, they’ve been so accommodating toward us,” said McDonald, “and we’re looking forward to working with Hardin for many years to come.”
The event will have the always-popular candy cannon, annual raffle, as well as demonstrations of flint and steel, tomahawk and knife throwing and blacksmithing.
“We’ll have all of the usual stuff that people come to the event to experience, like the candy cannon, and we’ll also have a lot of vendors and demonstrations,” said McDonald. “We hope everyone comes out to celebrate the early American frontier, especially the history in our own area, and learn about this lost period of our country’s history. We’re excited to be able to host the rendezvous in Hardin again.”
Participants must dress in pre-1840 attire and all modern items must be kept out of sight at all times. Firewood and water will be available. Pets are welcome, but must be kept leashed. Quiet time will begin at 11 p.m. and there will be no driving in after 11 p.m. on Friday. Additionally, there will be a handles competition as well as flint and steel competition for participants. There will also be various camp awards. Cannons are welcome for daylight shooting only.
There is still room for more food and trade vendors. For pricing and other information, contact McDonald at 618-406-6900 or Brad Gold at 618-578-9437. Additional details can be found at The Piasa Free Trappers Rendezvous Facebook page.