Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, April 8, 2016
(VINCENNES) - One of the Midwest’s premier Revolutionary War re-enactments will occur Memorial Day Weekend in Indiana’s First City - the site of the foremost American victory within the frontier.
Located on the grounds of the French Commons, adjacent to the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, the 40th Annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous will transport those with a sense of adventure back in time to experience the color, costumes, and lifestyle of the 18th century. The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous is a featured Legacy Event as part of Indiana's year-long Bicentennial celebration.
Spectacular, authentic battle re-enactments are exciting Rendezvous crowd
pleasers and feature the 1779 capture of Fort Sackville between Colonial and British troops. Two reenactments will take place each day, including an unprecedented evening battle. Battles will be at 2 and 8 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday and 12 Noon and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The enticing sounds of dulcimers, bagpipes, and drums will ring across the Commons and vendors will offer demonstrations of early frontier living. Among the period wares for sale will be pottery, leather goods, wooden toys, pewter, herbs, wood bowls, baskets, iron works, period clothing, and more. Food vendors will offer up a variety of period-specific fares such as buffalo burgers, pork chops, turkey legs, creek fried potatoes, homemade pies, bread pudding, and strawberry shortcake.
Throughout the two-day event, visitors can also experience a realistic 18th century military encampment that serves as home to re-enactor members of the Northwest Territory Alliance. The French Commons Stage will feature entertainment for all ages as well as wagon rides, children's games, storytellers, and jugglers.
Single-day admission costs $10 at the gate for adults, $2 for children. Admission buttons good for both days cost $12 and can be purchased in advance for $9 at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and all
Vincennes area financial institutions. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional Rendezvous activities include candlelight tours of the nearby Indiana State Territorial Sites, Old French House, and Grouseland - the home of 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison. The State Constitution and John Small Rifle will be on display at the adjacent DAR chapter house.
Free transportation is provided for those wearing a Rendezvous admission button.
The Old Cathedral Court Yard will be the site of a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, along with breakfast starting at 7 a.m. And the world premiere of "Alice of Old Vincennes: The Musical" will take place at Vincennes University's Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.
Complete details about the 40th Annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous are available online at http://www.spiritofvincennes.org, on the group's Facebook page, or by calling 800-886-6443.
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