Celebrate the 1700s at the Forest Preserve District's 'Island Rendezvous'

Journey back in time to the 18th century French fur trade era as the Forest Preserve District of Will County presents its 32nd annual “Island Rendezvous.” The Rendezvous, which was traditionally celebrated to mark the end of the trading season, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, at Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville.

“Island Rendezvous” will feature re-enactors from all over the Midwest who portray voyageurs, colonists and soldiers of the 1700s. Saturday’s activities include a tomahawk-throwing contest at 11 a.m., nature hikes at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a tall-tales contest at 12:30 p.m., a period fashion show at 1 p.m. and a camp cooking demonstration at 3 p.m. Sunday’s activities include a working dog demonstration at 10:30 a.m., a skillet toss contest at 11 a.m., a nature hike at 11 a.m. and a storyteller performance at 2 p.m.

Falconry demonstrations will be held at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days. French and Native crafts and games, trader training (where kids learn fur trading skills) and a scavenger hunt will be ongoing both days. Live music will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“Island Rendezvous” is free of charge, but vendors will be selling clothing, jewelry, tools and other crafts from the period. Food also will be available for purchase. Free parking and shuttle service will be available. Registration is not required. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.