Parke County residents and visitors will have an opportunity to step back into time this weekend as the Bridgeton Rendezvous is slated to commence in Bridgeton.
The festivities will begin April 26 at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, festivities will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both days feature a taste of authentic pioneer living in a beautiful historic setting, according to event organizers. In addition, it is free to attend and there is free parking.
"There is something for all ages, and it is free. The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend," Celia Case told The Parke County Post.
According to Case, Bridgeton, Parke County and surrounding areas played a vital role in history during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the Civil War.
"The Midwest was a pivotal turning point for our country during the American Revolution. There was the Battle of Vincennes that was a key battle in our area and impacted the entire Northwest Territory. We have a lot of history in Parke County that is very interesting as well. We will have 40 period accurate reenactors, as well as a military unit from the War of 1812 and the French and Indian War," Case told The Parke County Post.
Case said on Saturday those in attendance will have the opportunity to experience a black powder shoot, as well as a hawk and knife throw and primitive bow shoot.
The Jonah Fish Fry benefitting the Bridgeton Volunteer Fire Department will take place Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m.
On Sunday, there will be a novelty shoot at 11 a.m. and a skillet throw at 2 p.m. Both days will also feature hearth cooking at the 1822 log cabin, live demonstrations at the Bridgeton Mill, and plenty of vendors available.
Case said the 1822 log cabin was rebuilt by her family and will feature live cooking demonstrations, as well as the chicken on a string.
"It is a real chicken suspended by the fire place. You go back every 20 minutes and give it a spin. It is a low tech rotisserie and it cooks the chicken on all sides. It is interesting to see. The real pioneers in our area lived this way," Case said.
As for what her favorite part of the rendezvous is, Case admitted it is the opportunity to educate people about how life was in Parke County previously and the historical impact the county had.
"My favorite thing is teaching others, especially kids, the history of our area and watching their face light up and their interest come to life when they realize how the events that happened right here in our area were important to the early history of our country. When they see hands on how their ancestors lived, history becomes exciting and interesting. So much progression of history took place right here," Case said.
Riverton Parke looks to continue momentum
Parke County Community Foundation awards funds for Ritz renovations
USDA announces 2026 and 2027 enrollment for key price and revenue safety net programs, first base acre increase in two decades
U.S. Marshals aid local law enforcement to find suspect
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
Benefit ride for Alisha Reynolds on October 24
Former Roachdale Town Marshal sentenced to probation
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance announces 2027 summer internship program
Read your FEMA letter carefully
Road closure to impact U.S. 36 in Parke and Putnam counties
South Vermillion to honor fallen mom all season
BMV branches closed for Labor Day weekend
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 near Newport
Riddell National Bank makes new scoreboard reality for Parke Heritage
Riverton Parke to remember fallen player
