By Jeff Rebitski, Staff Writer
The 1838 Rendezvous kicked off another week of wild wilderness fun with a return to a bygone era on the actual site of the 1838 event. Here in Riverton, located off of East Monroe, is the 1838 Rendezvous site near the ponds that are famous around this community. The site is the actual historic grounds that captured the favor of the mountain men who inhabited the Wyoming mountains during most of the year and came down to trade with each other and with the natives that inhabited the area. Riverton, close to the convergence of three rivers, The Little and Big Wind River and the Popo Agie. (pa-po-za) This gave the best opportunity for Mountain men to converge in one place and catch up with the important events in our newly opened country.
The opening ceremony was celebrated as the sun gently sank in the west and lit up the cottonwoods along the river. The abundance of tents and teepees indicated a large group of participants for the days of festive engagements with shooting and tomahawk throwing included. The ponds are freshly stocked and ready for action while history is re-lived just a few feet away. These modern versions of men and women who opened and expanded the west during the 1820’s through the 1850’s wear the traditional garb and practice the cooking and lifestyle of those heroes of the American West. After saluting the American traditions with the pledge of allegiance, the cannon signaled the beginning of the rendezvous.
The closing ceremony is at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 3rd. Until then, enjoy the Rendezvous.