18th Annual Pomme de Terre Rendezvous
May 1 & 2, 2004

For pictures of previous events, click here

Special Events for 2004 include: FRENCH COLONIAL ARTILLERY - a historically authentic elite troop. They served as grenadiers, bombardiers and cannoneers. A detachment of these troops was assigned to train new artillery crews. They traveled to each fort to achieve this goal. They will be here to  demonstrate their skills with flair. THE FIFES & DRUMS of the Louisiana Regiment will be attending for the first time this year. THROUGHOUT THE DAY, we'll have  demonstrations on making dug-out canoes , rifles and rugs, weaving, a primitive encampment, Indian artifacts display, forge works, black powder competitions, antique equipment displays, raffles and kids' games.

Meals served throughout the day - Breakfast at 7:00 AM Admission $1.00  - children under 12 free

A special guest of the 2004 event will be Michael Toombs of Forge Works returning
to present his popular "Working Blacksmith" show all weekend.
 

Representatives of the Missouri Department of Conservation will be at the 2004 Rendezvous to demonstrate the art of building dugout canoes.

HISTORY OF THE RENDEZVOUS
The first Pomme de Terre Rendezvous was held in Hermitage in 1987. Far different than the original mountain men rendezvous, it was organized as a family event. Then called the Black Powder Rendezvous, it was moderately successful, attracting about 500 people. It was moved to its present location in 1988 due to the need for additional space and to take advantage of the natural beauty of the site as well as the traditional significance of the river in the lives of early settlers.
	The first three Rendezvous were sponsored and organized by the Hickory County Historical Society. During those years the event grew tremendously both in scope and popularity. Due to this rapid growth and its increasing complexity, a new organization,  known as the Pomme de Terre Rendezvous Association, was formed to sponsor the event.
The Rendezvous Association is made up of local people and organizations interested in ensuring that the area history is preserved. One way of doing this  is through such events as our annual Pomme de Terre Rendezvous. In 2001, we had approximately 5000 visitors. If you're looking for a fun and educational family get-away this spring, be sure to consider Missouri!

If you'd like more information on the Pomme de Terre Rendezvous