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Friday, March 7, 2014

Mountain Man Rendevous


Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. March 6, 2014.  Les Johnson and Joel Marler, organizers of The Mountain Man Rendezvous, told County Commissioners that the first rendezvous turned out well.  It paid for itself on the first year and sponsorships are increasing.  People came to participate from all over the United States and there were 24 traders with booths or tents.  They had shoots and competitions.

Next year the Rendezvous will be held August 20-24.  They are asking for a permit and fee waiver again this year.  There will be a $3 entry fee unless one comes in mountain man attire.  Last year the Bear Lake High School manned the ticket booths and came in historic attire.

The Rendezvous is held in Round Valley where the rendezvous were held historically.  There is a Facebook page and a website to increase participation and attendance.

Next year they need to get Laketown EMT and Fire Department to help, last year they were unable to have a presence for a $500 donation to the department.  Commissioner Norm Mecham suggested that they ask the Rodeo Club who might like the donation.

Commissioner Bill Cox asked that they notify the health department and other agencies  early enough to meet their permit requirements. State sales tax must be paid by vendors.  “Even if you don’t pay the county fees all paper work must be done,” said Cox.

The education of history of this valley is the main purpose of the rendezvous.   Research has been done on the period and they try to recreate it.  “ For example,” said Johnson, “ dream catchers are from the 1930’s so they don’t allow them in the rendezvous.  They try to avoid modern materials or “made in China” items.  They had story tellers and historians talk.  Women in the Fur Trade will be the feature this upcoming year's rendezvous.

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