Time again for smoke poles and ‘hawks

The St. Francois River Blackpowder Club, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will hold the St. Joe Rendezvous on Aug. 21-22 at St. Joe State Park. The event is free and open to the public.

The event is a historical re-creation of life in America from 1750 until 1840. Traders and sellers, dressed in primitive costumes from that era, will be living everyday life and selling goods that were common in that time period.

For those involved in the event, both primitive and modern camping will be available. The weekend will also feature a rifle match on both Saturday and Sunday as well as smoothbore matches. A pistol match will be held Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with only pre-1840 muzzleloading sidelock pistols allowed.

Jim Baechle, vice-president of the blackpowder club, shared one event during the rendezvous is typically not held in programs similar to this one.

“The primitive bow shoot is an event that is becoming more popular. Participants are only allowed to use wood arrows with real feathers. No fiberglass arrows are permitted. These are the types of arrows used by native Americans,” he said.

A free fun shoot will be held Friday and the regular bow shoot will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A long bow shoot is scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Baechle feels with the anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition this year, the rendezvous will be an excellent example of what that time period was like for visitors.

“One of our members, Larry Michaels, participated in the events held in the St. Louis area commemorating the (Lewis and Clark) expedition. He will be at the rendezvous and should be able to add a lot (about that time),” he said.

Another special feature during the weekend will be a group of musicians performing throughout the event, adding to the musical sounds that are often heard at individual campsites.

“We have had quite a few participants who bring their own instruments and hold jam sessions throughout the weekend. There is music playing at all times,” he said.

While no pre-registration for the event is required, Baechle shared that the group has heard from a number of individuals who plan to attend.

“We have people from all around the state as well as some from outside of Missouri who plan on attending. The rendezvous will have something of interest for everyone who attends,” he said.

For more information, visit the club’s Web site at www.blackpowderclub.com, or call Baechle at 756-6279.