VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — During the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous festivities over Memorial Day weekend, the 18th century will spring to vivid life as moments from the Revolutionary War are reenacted, craftsmen evoking the era demonstrate their skills, colonial music fills the air and booths offer food that will take folks back in time.
Founded in 1732, Vincennes is the oldest community in the state of Indiana and home to George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, where Rendezvous takes place. Attendees can experience the rich history of Vincennes at the event.
Mark Hill, marketing director for the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, explained, “When people come to Vincennes from all over the Midwest, they can experience colonial history firsthand. We have a lot of homeschoolers that come to this event so they can see and drink, taste and smell and feel what it was like to live a colonial life.”
During the annual event, visitors have four opportunities to witness battle reenactments staged by military units of the North West Territory Alliance. Craftsmen demonstrate skills of the 18th century creating items that are both utilitarian and artistic. There will be an 18th-century fashion show and performances by Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corp. and the River Valley Colonial Fife and Drum Corp.
The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 29 and 10 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. Daily admission is $10 for adults and $2 for children under 13, though advance buttons good for admission on both days will be available for $9 beginning May 1 at most financial institutions in the Vincennes area and the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, 401 S 2nd St. Two-day buttons purchased at the gate will be $12. Parking off Willow St. opposite 4th St. is $3.
Saturday at 8 p.m., candlelight tours will be offered of four historic buildings — Grouseland (William Henry Harrison’s old home), the Indiana Territory Capitol, the Stout Print Shop and the Old French House.
“It brings a lot of revenue, a lot of interest into the community,” Hill said. “We also try very much to promote our other historic sites, like Grouseland, the Red Skelton Museum; the Indiana Military Museum is right next door to us.”
Though seating will be spread out, attendees are asked to bring masks in case they find themselves in a tightly spaced area.
Said Hill, “I think people are eager to get outside and we worked very closely with Dr. (Alan) Stewart down here at the health office to make sure we have protocols in place to make this a fun and safe event.”
