Big Island Rendezvous Albert Lea, MN (1 Viewer)

[Shannon Reuss]

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival held annually in Albert Lea, MN.

To quote their website, "Over 300 tents and campfires created 12 acres of “atmosphere” in which to shop and listen to the entertainment. Over 1,200 “living history” re-enactors carry on their day-to-day lifestyles, as it would have been done over 200 years ago in the New World. No modernisms are allowed on site so you see no vehicles or modern plastic tentage. You literally step back in time into a “wilderness” of history."

I took quite a few pictures as I thought many of you would be interested in seeing the period costumes, weaponry and tents. Drills, live cannon rounds, tomahawk and knife-throwing competitions and a voyageur camp are just a few of the period activities to enjoy.

Click here to view a slideshow of the event.

There are many musical offerings but the main event is definitely the concert by Tanglefoot, an amazing Canadian band from Ontario who weaves Canadian history into song. If you have never heard Tanglefoot I encourage you to give them a listen.
Here is their website:
http://www.tanglefootmusic.com/bios/index.php

 

[pugio]

shannon, great photo's. did they have tomahawk and knife throwing contests? makes me want to put on my leathers, slide knife and hawk into my belt, sling powder horns over my shoulder, hunting pouch over the other, and take my long-rifle off the wall pegs..... if my daughters would only be home long enough to show me how to email photos from their camera.....

 

[Shannon Reuss]

They did indeed and loads of various musket competitions as well. My son purchased a small tomahawk while he was there that appears to be hand-made. He is very pleased with his purchase and wants to take part in the tomahawk throwing competition next year.

I didn't know you were a reenactor. I'd love to see pictures!

 

[modwalls]

That looked like a good time had by all. It also made me wonder, how many people today, could go back and live like that. We don't realize how good we have it. Thanks for the photos, Mike

 

[kilted vampire]

They did indeed and loads of various musket competitions as well. My son purchased a small tomahawk while he was there that appears to be hand-made. He is very pleased with his purchase and wants to take part in the tomahawk throwing competition next year.

I didn't know you were a reenactor. I'd love to see pictures!

Me too! Looks like a lot of periods were represented

 

[Leadmen]

Rendezvous are fun. I use to do them and a few of my friends still do. Last week they had a large one in Ohio. Too hot, I did not go. This weekend is one of the best and last of the season. The Feast of the Hunters Moon in Lafayette Indiana. My friends reenact, but now are mostly period vendors. Leadmen