The Fort Massac Encampment starts a new half-century of historical reenactments when thousands of visitors return to Metropolis for the 51st edition of the event this Saturday and Sunday.
Since 1974, the encampment festival has become one of the state's highest-attended events and people flock in to experience what life was like at Fort Massac during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Hundreds of military reenactors wearing period clothing will present the roles of explorers, traders, settlers and soldiers on the early Illinois frontier. The encampment opens with the “Posting of the Colours” ceremony at 10 a.m. both days. During the afternoons, mock military battles and tactical demonstrations will be performed on the fort grounds beginning at 3 p.m. A military retreat ceremony will closes each day.
Old-fashioned food and treats are just as big a draw for many, along with family and children’s activities, musical entertainment and period craft makers demonstrating blacksmithing, basket-making, weaving and other skills.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Encampment is hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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51st Fort Massac Encampment returns Saturday, Sunday
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