Backyard Adventures

24 Pike Publishing BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2015 One Southern Indiana community will come alive again this Memorial Day week- end as a bustling Revolutionary War-era town. The annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendez- vous returns for its 39th year to Vincennes on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, with battle re-enactments, Colonial-era en- tertainment, demonstrations of period crafts and plenty of period food. Located on the banks of the Wabash River, the Knox County seat played a crucial part in the American Revolutionary War. It was the surprise attack and capture on Fort Sackville by Colonel George Rogers Clark and his men in the winter of 1778 -1779 that secured the Old Northwest and set the stage for the creation of a continental nation. Each Memorial Day weekend, more than 500 re-enactors converge on the grounds of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park to re-create the Battle of Vincennes. The park features a massive granite memo- rial which commemorates the conquest of the Old Northwest Territory. The George Rogers Clark Memorial is the largest national monument outside of Wash- ington, D.C., according to the Vincennes/ Knox County Visitors and Tourism Bureau. According to the National Park Service, Clark's victory had a direct impact on the shaping of the United States. From the terri- tory indirectly secured by actions of Clark's men later came the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and the eastern portion of Minnesota. The moment of the fort's surrender on February 25, 1779, marks the birth of the United States north of the Ohio River. sPirit oF vinCennes rendezvous "The Rendezvous is truly a living event, it has all the sounds, food, entertainment, clothing of the period," said Mark Hill, a board member and director of marketing for Spirit of Vincennes, Inc., the non-profit organization behind the event. "It has some- thing for everyone, the locals love the food ... just like a county fair it's the first time of the year to get one-of-a-kind food that's only offered here." The time period represented by the event is 1732 (founding of Vincennes) to 1816 (statehood); all of the history leading to 1816 can be found at the event. During the two-day event, visitors can mingle with re-enactors, who will be camped out on the memorial's lawn, take in a battle re- enactment or watch period demonstrations. Many of the re-enactors are members of the Northwest Territory Alliance. Events held on the grounds of the park are free, however, the majority of the festival is held on the grounds of the French Commons located at Second and Willow streets behind the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. An entrance fee is charged. Inside the French Commons, there will be more than 100 authentic merchant and food booths. Food vendors will serve a variety of period foods, including buffalo burgers, pork chops, turkey legs, creek fried pota- toes, homemade pies, bread pudding and strawberry shortcake. For merchants, Hill said there is ev- erything from "frocks to flintlocks; from pottery to plants; from jewelry to jaw harps may be purchased" and offer a glimpse into 18th century life. Vendor booths will give demonstrations of early frontier skills and offer period wares for sale, such as pottery, leather goods, wooden toys, pewter, herbs, wood bowls, baskets, iron works, period clothing and more. "Children love our colonial farm and wagon rides, children's game area," Hill said. There will be ongoing entertainment, period music, wagon rides, puppet shows, children's games, storytellers, jugglers and more. "Older adults love the music and stage entertainment. And everyone loves to shop," Hill added. One highlight of this year's Rendezvous will be a salute to the Buffalo Trace, the historic trail of Bison that carved its way through Southern Indiana and was the even- tual path of stagecoach and modern roads. Authentic battle re-enactments are an exciting crowd-pleaser and feature the 1779 capture of Fort Sackville between the Colonial and British troops. Two battle re- enactments are scheduled for each day. "My favorite part is the battle. The reenactments are so authentic, lively, and entertaining," said Hill, whom will also be in period costume during the festival. "The soldiers have appeared in movies like 'The Patriot' and they interact with the crowd in character throughout the weekend." Another highlight is the Evening Colors/ Closing Ceremony slated for 4 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 24. The festival's final event takes place in front the Clark Memorial and features a parade of troops and re-enactors. According to organizers, more than 35,000 people attend the event each year. Additional Rendezvous activities include candlelight tours of the nearby Indiana State Territorial Sites and Grouseland, home of 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison. Free transportation is provided for those wearing a Rendezvous button. There will also be a grand ball at the State Historic Sites on Saturday, May 23. A full schedule of events, plus additional information, can be found online at: http:// www.spiritofvincennes.org. events sChedule Saturday, May 23 • Festival hours: 8 a.m. CDT/9 a.m.  EDT to 5 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. EDT • Battle Re-enactments: Noon CDT/1  p.m. EDT and 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 24 • Festival hours: 8 a.m. CDT/9 a.m.  EDT to 4 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. EDT • Battle Re-enactments: 11 a.m.  CDT/Noon EDT and 2:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m. EDT • Evening Colors/Closing Ceremo- ny: 4 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. EDT Entry Fees • Weekend Button (good for both  days): $10 if purchased in advanced; $12 if purchased at gate • One-day tickets: $10 for adults  and $2 for children 5• 12 and free for  children 4 and under • Parking: $3 per vehicle, lot is  located off of Willow Street vinCennes-area historiCal attraCtions George Rogers Clark National Historical Park — The largest national monument outside of Washington, D.C. plays tribute to the conquering general, who seized what was then called Fort Sackville from the British in 1779. Fort Knox II — Set 3 miles from Vincennes on the Wabash River, the fort served as a staging point for then- Governor William Henry Harrison to muster militia troops. Indiana Military Museum — The museum features vintage military equipment such as artillery and other weaponry, vehicles, uniforms and other items. Vincennes State Historical Sites — These buildings were used by the Territorial Legislature when Vincennes was the capital of the Indiana Territory in the early 1800s. They have been preserved as historical landmarks. Grouseland — The mansion home of Harrison, who would later become the 9th U.S. President. The home was built in the early 1800s. S P I R I T O F V I N C E N N E S R E N D E Z V O U S history comes alive on the BANKS WABASH OF THE STORY BY ANDREA PRESTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK HILL Reenactors recreate the Battle of Vincennes during the annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous. Colonial-era crafts and foods are on display at the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous.

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