Annual Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot
Have you ever wondered how your ancestors led their life at the American frontier when they first set foot on the American soil? Are you curious to know how the native Indians sustained themselves? Or, do you want to show your child the glimpse of America’s glorious past? If your answer to all these questions is a “yes”, then, it is time to visit the Lake of the Ozarks when the Annual Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot is on.
This is one of the innumerable events at the Ozarks that is attended by people in thousands. In fact, it is a must for every American to take part in these celebrations at least once in their lifetime. This event will recreate America’s past through the various shows that are conducted here.
Blacksmiths, trappers, gunsmiths and traders will be present here in large numbers, alongside storytellers and artisans to recreate the history of America. This is the only place in the United States where you can see the men and women of the mountains breathe life into the past. Everything that you can experience here during the three days of the event has a historic touch to it. Ranging from lodging and clothing to food and entertainment, everything will have a period feel to it.
There are hundreds of campsites set up here for all people, including the mountain men and women and other visitors. Some unique contests held during the Annual Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot are the fire starting competition, wood carving, trapping, cooking, shooting, playing music of that era and using an antique kettle to cook apple butter the traditional way. There are performances displaying frontier skills twice each day during the course of the event.
The eagerly anticipated event during the entire celebration is the anvil shoot also called the Muzzleloader shoot. The anvil shoot was actually used as a warning sign by the frontier people in case of emergencies. The sound produced during this shoot can reach up to 15 miles. A large anvil used by the blacksmith is placed on the ground and filled with gunpowder. Another anvil is placed on this and a wire is used to light it up. On catching fire, the gunpowder explodes creating a loud boom that can be heard for miles around the Ozarks. This is the key highlight of this three day celebration at the Ozarks.
Another main feature of the Annual Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shoot is the Row marketplace. Every item that was either used or traded by the mountain man can be found in this market. You can pick up a lot of antique collectibles here at rock bottom prices. Knives, guns, beadwork, hand woven blankets, homemade candles and soap bars, baskets, pottery, pelts, jelly, jam and even leather goods can be bought in the booths set up here.
There are competitions held exclusively for the mountain men and women. Some of the contests that they compete in are the fire starting competition, tomahawk, knife throwing and black powder shooting.
Reenactment by the French colonial artillery is another highlight of this competition. There existed many European colonies during the frontier era. The French artillery’s re-enactment will bring that to life.
Most of the schools around the region of the Ozarks bring their students to witness these events. There are thousands of visitors from all over the United States who bring in their children to witness these events of the past. The admission fee is $5 per adult. Children under the age of 15 are admitted free of charge.
So, if you want to lead the life that your ancestors led a couple centuries ago, ensure you plan your trip to the Ozarks between 18th and 20th September, 2010. There can be no better way for your child to learn history than attending this event and reliving the past!
