A colonial-period clown performs Sunday at Rendezvous on the Fort de Chartres grounds. At right, a six-piece old-time string band performs during Rendezvous. (Alan Dooley photos)

In April, the state of Illinois, in the midst of its self-created budget crisis, abruptly pulled the financial plug on events at Fort de Chartres near Prairie du Rocher, including Rendezvous and other historic and educational activities.

It was feared that the last year’s Rendezvous – the 45th – might be the last.  And while the nationally recognized historic site is continuing in operation for now, the future of events such as Rendezvous and other historic celebrations each year is by no means guaranteed.

This year’s Rendezvous was made possible only by a concerted 11th-hour effort by local groups to gather funds to sustain it. Other events jeopardized by inaction in Springfield include Winter Rendezvous, French and Indian War Encampment, Kid’s Day, La Guiannee and World War II Days.

Rendezvous and other events, as well as daily visitors to the site, bring an estimated 30,000 people to and through the area annually.  The spending of visitors throughout the area has a substantial financial impact.

This year’s Rendezvous brought in an estimated 750 participants from across the Midwest and 10,000 visitors, according to Jason Duensing.  Many participants and visitors have frequented Rendezvous for years.

Numbers were impacted negatively by rain Saturday morning, which muddied parking and walking areas, as well as delaying several historic ceremonial activities.  But the contrasting beautiful Sunday weather helped make up for the first day.

Both days featured participants in 18th century garb and uniformed groups portraying period military drilling and music units of several nations and time periods, as well as Native American re-enactors and entertainers from clowns and jugglers to period music groups.

Merchants and crafts people of all varieties offered a superb assortment of historic period items, from clothing to pottery, furniture to simulated weapons, to jewelry and toys.  The common quality of all items offered for sale though, was, in a word, quality.

An equally wide range of refreshments, from homemade root beer to buffalo burgers, were available for visitors and participants to enjoy as well.

And everywhere across the fort grounds, historically dressed role-playing participants were eager to answer questions about clothing, characters and how they were living accurately without the conveniences of modern society for the weekend.

Fun and education were offered concurrently.

If there is to be a 47th Rendezvous next year, as well as the other events that serve as highlights of the year, there is no intent to await state funding or depend on a specific amount.  Support has been dwindling in recent years.

To explore ways to lend support to events at Fort de Chartres, look into the activities of Les Amis du Fort de Chartres.  This non-profit organization is partnering with efforts to gain business supporters as well.

Contact Les Amis vice president Jennifer Duensing at 618-612-9098 for ways to help support special activities at the fort.

This group raised more than $7,000 in less than 60 days leading up to Rendezvous.