One of Illinois’ most popular fall festivals will be open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday. The encampment gives visitors a chance to see what life was like at Fort Massac during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The site was a military outpost along the Ohio River from 1757 to 1814, and hosted personnel from France, Great Britain, and early American military.
Today's activities begin with a church service at 9 am. Afterward, the same schedule of events from Saturday will be repeated, including ‘Posting of the Colours’ ceremony at 10 am.
At 10:30, the Royal Highlanders bagpipe band will perform at the main fort area.
At 11:30 the voyager's canoe will arrive at the riverfront.
The mock battle will take place at 3 pm, when hundreds of military re-enactors and other participants wearing period clothing will present the roles of explorers, traders, settlers and soldiers on the early Illinois frontier.
Military closing ceremonies will take place at 4:30 pm.
Throughout the day, family and youth activities include storytellers, magic and puppet shows, 18th century musical entertainment, and period craft makers demonstrating blacksmithing, basket-making, weaving, and other skills.
Food and drink, some of which is faithful to the period, will also be available.
Admission to the encampment is free. Parking is provided at the Old Fairgrounds adjacent to the park. Fort Massac State Park is closed to public vehicle traffic during festival hours.
For more information on the encampment, click the link below.
On the Net:
Fort Massac Encampment
