If you’ve ever enjoyed the “Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous”, perhaps taken in the Fort Massac Encampment, or visited the Olde Tyme Arts and Kraft Fair at Beall Woods, Patrick Haskell wants to invite you to a new adventure featuring living history, demonstrations, artisans, and merchants next month. The local Doctor of Chiropractic was at Kiwanis Thursday in Carmi to discuss the event coming to Burrell Woods May 17th – 19th. Haskell’s introduction to re-enactment came about through his daughter’s involvement in Key Club.
I got started in re-enacting when my daughter was going to school at Lincoln Vincennes and she was in the Key Club there. One of their projects was to cook up corn on the cob for their Rendezvous. So we did that and they cut us loose for the rest of the day and it was just absolutely fascinating seeing all the artisans, the blacksmithers, they were shooting off muskets and cannons, people dressed in period clothes…so that became our tradition year by year. Eventually, I started going to Fort De Chartres and Fort Massac for their events and I thought wouldn’t it be great if we had something closer.
Additionally, some family tree work revealed connections to the American Revolution which in turn got Haskell involved with the Sons of the American Revolution. The group is planning for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence which will include planting of “Liberty Trees”.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, Haskell says there will be storytelling from “Johnny Appleseed” and music by Dennis Stroughmatt featuring French Creole music Saturday at noon.
You can find a flyer in the Events section of our website by clicking here and contact Haskell directly for additional information or to get involved. He can be reached at 618-384-8341.
