2008 Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous

Step Back In Time At The Mountain Man Rendezvous
The 21st Annual Historic Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot is scheduled for September 19 – 21, 2008.  The three-day festival offers a step back in time to explore an unique era in American history. 

Nestled along the banks of the Osage River at the Silver Star Campground (formerly known as the American Legion Campground), mountain men and traders capture the days of the pre-1840’s as they dress in 19th century attire and live in genuine tee-pee and canvas tent campsites.  You can experience living history at its best as mountain men compete in black powder shoots, tomahawk and knife throwing, and fire starting.  Shop Trader’s Row for unique crafts, folk art and artifacts of the past.  An array of artisans, storytellers, gunsmiths,  and re-enactors guide you through a journey back in time.  The sights and sounds of a rustic frontier rendezvous, the smells of campfires, and the experience of early explorers and trappers are captured in this three-day event, at the Silver Star Campground below the Bagnell Dam.

A new feature during the 2008 festival will be interaction with John Colter, who was a member of the Corp. of Discovery and America’s first Mountain Man!  Mr. Clint Winn will perform as John Colter two times daily on Saturday and once on Sunday, giving first hand experience on the influence of the Mountain Man in 1804 along with exciting stories everyone is sure to enjoy.

A few favorites return this year as well, with the 2000 World Anvil Shooting Champion, Gay Wilkinson ringing the anvil by blasting blacksmith anvils over one hundred-twenty feet in the air.  Mr. Wilkinson relives this old tradition for various events and special occasions throughout the country.  During the anvil shoot, a brief history will be presented on this unique tradition.  The anvil shoot will take place twice daily.  

The French Colonial Artillery will be conducting re-enactments throughout the event on Saturday and Sunday.  Their drills and cannon blasting will make for an interesting venue that is not only educational but also fun to watch.

Admission is $5.00 for adults and children over 12, free to children 5 years and younger with an adult admission, good for the entire three days.