Rendezvous features family activities May 16-18

RIFLE – Throughout history, the “rendezvous” was known as a place where people of all cultures gathered together to exchange wares, swap some stories and enjoy a brief respite from the lonely isolation of their daily frontier life.
The organizers of the “Rifle Rendezvous Festival” feel that Rifle, Colo., is a perfect place to continue this age-old tradition, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the lives of those who have pioneered the great mountains and valleys of Western Colorado both yesterday and today. We should all take time out of our busy lives today to forge new relationships and bridge the gap between past and present.
The Rifle Rendezvous Festival is in the planning stages for its ninth year and the program grows bigger and better each year. It is a full three-day event. Some events include:
n 2008 Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Show Featuring a herd of the finest talent available in the Rocky Mountains! Preferential seating for holders of meal tickets.
n Hunt Family Fiddlers, a world-renowned family act that features Irish step dancing, Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational and popular music. Wonderful music and extraordinary step dancing will keep you on your feet. Truly a great family event.
n 10th Calvary/ Buffalo Soldiers, Sand Creek Raiders, Native Americans, Charros. Presentations on history of the West, demonstrations of equipment, both mounted and dismounted drill teams. Martin Knifechief will display the native American lifestyle and Jose Torres will present the Charro life.
n Annie Oakley. Accurate recreation of Annie Oakley by Barbara Melfi, one of “Colorado’s Own.”
n Buffalo Bill Cody. R. D. Melfi Brings Buffalo Bill Cody to life in true historical style.
n Native Americans Peshlakai Cultural Foundation presents Native American dances, music, stories and educational talks. You will be enthralled by their beauty and grace, the folklore and history.
n Loop Rawlins. Fantastic wild west entertainer featuring rope tricks, gun spinning and magical whips
n Celtic dancers and bagpipers. Aye laddies and lassies, the dancers are a comin’. Fire up your ancestral blood and enjoy Irish step dancing, highland dance and the sweet refrain of the bagpipes.
n Boogie down. Rob and Karen Stokvis providing the best in musical entertainment and audio reinforcement.
n Rockin’ Little Wranglers Ranch. A fun, safe place for your children to learn arts and crafts while experiencing the rendezvous.
n Horseshoeing demonstration. Have you ever wondered where horses went to buy shoes? Come watch an experienced farrier (that’s cowboy for horseshoer) fit and attach shoes to horses. You will be surprised at the skill required.
There are children’s activities, barbecue and other events for all ages.
The community pulls together to produce the event with not only volunteers, but also with full support of the business community. This event is made possible by volunteers and businesses that see a need for a fun family event, which has historical and educational value.
The mission of the Rifle Rendezvous Festival, Inc. is: “the promotion and support of public educational, civic and cultural activities by bringing together people of all heritages to assemble as friends and acquaintances, to respect one another and to share goods, values and ideas through education and experience in the traditions, livelihoods, cultures and history of those who pioneered the foundations of our cultures for generations to come.”
This year’s Rendezvous is May 16-18 at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars for a trip to the fairgrounds in Rifle that weekend! Visit www.riflerendezvous.org or more information.