Big Island Rendezvous & Festival Inc

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When is the Big Island Rendezvous?: In the fall during the colorful foliage season! Rendezvous is always the first Saturday and Sunday in October. (October 5-6, 2013 and October 4-5, 2014). Rendezvous opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
What is the Big Island Rendezvous?: Voted “One of the Top 100 Festivals in North America” by American Bus Association and the Minnesota Office of Tourism voted The Big Island Rendezvous one of the state's "Top 25 Festivals." It is a celebration of history during the fur trade period (1650 - 1840) and early Frontier America (1750-1870) including the Civil War Era and Pioneer Settlement (1840-1865). Also new for 2012 will be an authentic stagecoach and chuckwagon, and 1880 hearse and mortician.
What are some of the activities during the Big Island Rendezvous?
Entertainment:: The festival hosts different performance areas with music and dance continuously throughout both days. The entrance stage has a sound system adjacent to the food court area. The musicians minstrel around the grounds to give a more intimate performance to smaller audiences under the trees. Celtic, Bluegrass, Gaelic, old time country, gospel and Cajun music are some of the type of performances presented.
Arts & Crafts:: Properly attired re-enactors display and sell their wares. Artisans from 10 states and Canada attend including craftspersons and crafts such as blacksmithing, candle making, weaving and spinning, silver smithing, copper working, woodworking, clothing makers, painters, stoneware and porcelain pottery, scrimshaw, gunsmithing, birch bark canoes and furniture building. All types of colonial period trades and products are sold and various skills of the artists are demonstrated each day.
Period Encampments:: Over 300 tents and campfires created 12 acres of "atmosphere" in which to shop and listen to the entertainment. Over 1,200 "living history" re-enactors carry on their day-to-day lifestyles, as it would have been done over 200 years ago in the New World. No modernisms are allowed on site so you see no vehicles or modern plastic tentage. You literally step back in time into a "wilderness" of history.
Food & Beverage:: Various community groups and individuals offer a huge selection of specialty foods. You will find food here that you would not find at home, such as the most popular pecan wood smoked BBQ ribs, kettle korn and buffalo, fry bread, homemade root beer, Stuffed baked potato with pork, cheese, onion and sour cream toppings, Pork Chop on a stick, Indian Tacos, beef, and funnel cakes. There is also wild rice soup, and smoked turkey legs.
Childrens' Atmosphere:: All types of activities and excitement are there for the children to enjoy. There are theatre, games, drills, and ceremonies, voyageur camps, and tipi tours. There is more than enough for the entire family to participate in each day.
Where is the Rendezvous Located?: It is located in a city park in Albert Lea, Minnesota. All visitors park at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and are taken by shuttle one mile to festival grounds. Take Exit 157 off of Interstate 90 (just west of Interstate 35) and follow the signs.
Who runs the Rendezvous?: The Big Island Rendezvous is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, has year-round volunteer staff, and an office in Albert Lea. The festival is helped by hundreds of volunteers & community organizations to make the event a reality. Thousands of dollars are raised each year with this event that helps with scholarships and other services in the area.
What Are Some of the Highlights for the next Rendezvous?
Music:: Music groups from throughout the United States will be performing. Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, and other exciting bluegrass and old time music performances yet to be announced will be at the Festival. All stage entertainment is included in the price of admission.
Historical Exhibits & Reenactments:: Native American tipis and wikiups and canoe camps will be highlighted. Also Faire Wynds Players 18th Century Entertainments plus costumed "characters" of the 17th and18th century will entertain you throughout the site including Benjamin Franklin and his wife and Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln in the Civil War area.
Parades & Drills:: Re-enactors �strut and show-off� around the grounds and create a very festive atmosphere.
Tomahawk & Knife Throwing Competitions:: Participants see who are the most accurate and consistent in throwing fur trade period "hawks" and knives at a target no larger than a playing card.
Blackpowder Shooting Competition:: Marksmen from throughout the Midwest will compete for prizes. One type of event is shooting a lead ball (musket or muzzle loading gun) at an ax head and in ONE shot (one lead ball) the person hits BOTH targets set up on each side of the ax head.
Voyaguer Camp: Listen to songs and challenge the voyageurs to "cat and mouse" or see birch bark canoes.
Stage Entertainment:: Bands, duos, and solos from throughout the United States and Canada perform each day. You can sit and eat a varied menu while you listen to your favorite performers under the shade of bright orange and red oak trees.
How Much Does It Cost?: Admission to the Rendezvous, including all the before-mentioned events and parking is $12 for adults and $7 for children 6-11 years of age at the gate. Children 5 years and younger are free. A Family Pass can be purchased for $25 at the gate. Advance Tickets are available from the following:
For information and an order form, email us at [email protected] or write to: The Big Island Rendezvous 2580 Bridge Ave Albert Lea, MN, 56007
You may also call toll free 1-800-658-2526
Can you handle motorcoach tours?: Most definitely!! We will give motorcoach operators discounts on admissions plus free admission to drivers and escorts. Guides are available with advance notice. There is a special drop off and pick up zone in the heart of the Rendezvous. Accessibility to the site and facilities such as restrooms and grounds is unlimited for all types of special needs or populations.