Annual rendevous returns to Ft. Union on Thursday

People walking around in 1800s period dress, fur trading and an array of demonstrations involving blacksmithing, beaver skinning and other trades are signs of one thing -- the annual "rendezvous" at the Fort Union Trading Post.

The 27th annual rendezvous takes place Thursday through Sunday at the national historic site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Various presentations of 19th century trades are performed throughout the day. Fur traders sell their replica furs and craft items along Trader's Row and people camp by the entrance in 1800s clothing and tents.

Randy Kane, the fort's chief ranger, is hoping for a strong turnout and believes the week's list of events should draw many people.

This year's headline speaker is Dr. Jerome Tweton, a retired professor of history emeritus from the University of North Dakota who does presentations of historical figures. Tweton is doing daily first-person portrayals and general presentations of John Jacob Astor.

"He does first person portrayals and he also does presentations of other assorted historical figures. He'll be doing them in the first person and general discussions each day as well," said Kane.

The presentations take place each day at 2 p.m. John Jacob Astor was the founder and managing owner of the American Fur Company.

Another highlight of this year's rendezvous is the formal dedication of the reconstructed flag pole. The original reconstructed flagpole had rotted from the inside and broke in 2007. Members of the Fort Union Muzzle Loaders group spent nights and weekends over the past few months making a replacement for the fort. It was moved to the fort and installed over a three-day period at the end of May.

"The Muzzle Loaders are excited about what they did; it was a real labor of love," said Kane.

The formal dedication takes place at noon Saturday. Fort Union superintendent Andy Banta is overseeing the event and former superintendent Paul Hedren, who was in charge when the previous flagpole was there, also is to speak.

Kane said the dedication should last about 30 minutes.

"There will be a drum roll and flag presentation, followed by a rifle firing and playing of the National Anthem. The flag will fly when weather permits and on weekends starting Saturday," said Kane.

Kane said the flag is 15-by-25 and has 30 stars on it, representing the flag circa 1851 in the fort's early days.

Another highlight is the 18th annual Rendezvous Run. The Rendezvous Run takes place at 9 a.m. Central Time. The run has an 11K- and 5K-run and a one-mile run or walk for the people in period dress.

Kane said they're set to have between 100 and 120 people camping in front of the fort in tents and wearing period clothing. He said most of these individuals are from North Dakota and Montana and they are dedicated to coming, with many returning each year.

Kane said about a dozen traders are to be along Trader's Row, which is north of the gate of the reconstructed post. He said there is a variety of various re-enactments of 19th century trades. Kane said some of them tend to draw pretty good crowds.

"One of the biggest things is the beaver skinning. It's held once a day. it's just something unique you don't see every day. The blacksmiths, we usually have two but this year we have just one, that's always really popular," said Kane.

Kane said there's a couple from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who come each year in period clothing and their presentations are top notch with items that are very authentic and detailed.

Kane said they arehosting a canoe trip to the confluence as well. Kane said it takes place at noon Friday and goes from the trail past the parking lot to the confluence. All that is needed is a life jacket and a ride back to the fort.

Bagpipers play from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday and concessions are available in the parking lot. Thursday has a series of presentations and children's activities.

For more information on the Fort Union Trading Post and rendezvous, visit its Web site at www.nps.gov/fous/ or call 701-572-9083.