Rendezvous returns

Last summer, a number of highly anticipated events were ultimately cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Among those was the Sierra Madre Muzzle Loading Rifle Club's Mountain Man Rendezvous, which is held annually on the grounds of the Grand Encampment Museum.

This weekend, July 23 - 25, the rendezvous will return for its 40th year and the fields of the Grand Encampment Museum will once again be a window into the past. Local black powder enthusiasts will recreate the days of the mountain men with primitive camping, authentic costuming, traders row, black powder shoots, pan tosses and tomahawk throws.

The fire starting competition is a favorite as crowds watch different age and gender groups start fires using steel, flint and tinder. Another popular event is the trading blanket which is the last event of the night. After dark participants gather to try to get the best of trades involving period items.

One minor change from the rendezvous of years' past is the absence of the pig roast. While a favorite of those who attended the event, Club President Josh Saier stated the event was planned when many COVID restrictions were still in place and so one was not planned.

Camping is available on the Grand Encampment Grounds, though attendees must bring their own water and firewood. Dogs, while allowed to attend, are the responsibility of the owner and lease laws are strictly enforced. Horses, however, are not allowed.

All individual events will have awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. A prize of $200 cash will be awarded to the winners of the Men's Aggregate, Women's Aggregate, Junior Aggregate and Sub-Junior Aggregate.

For more information, contact Josh Saier at 307-326-5503 or email [email protected].