Weekend-Long Cultural Celebration Commemorates the Bent’s Fort Era with Authentic Rendezvous Encampments, Ceremonial Dance Demonstrations, Hands-On Activities and Award-Winning Artists
Tesoro Cultural Center will host its annual Rendezvous at The Fort on Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, on the grounds of Colorado’s iconic restaurant, The Fort. Open to the public, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and tickets will soon be available for purchase online or day of at the door. Ample free parking is available, and concessions will be provided onsite by The Fort.
For 22 years, Tesoro Cultural Center has commemorated the far western mountaineers and American Indians of the fur trade from the Bent’s Old Fort era (1833-1849) with an annual rendezvous. Bent’s Fort, of which The Fort is a scale replica, was an important fur trading post that operated along the Santa Fe Trail in the early 19th century.
“We are honored to host such an impressive group of award-winning artists, historic interpreters and musicians at The Fort to share, preserve and celebrate our Western history,” said Holly Arnold Kinney, executive director of Tesoro Cultural Center. “New this year, the Saturday morning art preview and awards ceremony will include a continental breakfast. Celebrate and purchase award winning art before the show opens.”
Offering engaging and immersive fun for the whole family, the rendezvous demonstrates day-to-day skills from the 1840s, such as sign language, beadwork, wool processing, domestic arts, black powder shooting competitions and more. Guests can also meet the American Indian nations of today, learn the history of each, and experience ceremonial song and dance demonstrations.
Additional activities include a scavenger hunt for children; raptors, mammals and reptiles provided by Nature’s Educators; informative lectures; storytelling by Angel Vigil; music of the period by Rex Rideout; Flamenco dancing from Fiesta Colorado; American Indian powwow and dance demonstrations by the Denver Singers; and Spanish Colonial art crafted using methods and materials of the past from award-winning artists.
The Rendezvous at The Fort weekend festivities will kick off on Saturday morning with a new “Early Bird Sneak Preview.” From 9-10 a.m., guests will have the first opportunity to view artwork and speak with the Rendezvous participants ahead of the event; and the $20 ticket also includes a continental breakfast and beverages.
For more information, call (303) 839-1671 or visit www.TesoroCulturalCenter.org/.