WOODFORD — In Blackhawk Memorial Park near Woodford, like every first weekend in May, the gates will be open to the area cared for by Yellowstone Flint and Cap Club (YFC) where you can step back in time.  The “Bloody Lake Rendezvous” is a living history event — a rendezvous or gathering of pre-1840 people, including settlers, fur traders, pioneers, and merchants. They gather to enjoy the social aspects of being with people because life on the western frontier (Wisconsin pre-1840) was challenging and often isolated.

A stroll through the encampment gives visitors the sights, sounds and smells of early Wisconsin — campfire cooking, black powder shooting, music as part of the socializing, the laughter of children playing old fashioned games. There are demonstrations of pioneer skills, blankets of wares for sale or trade, food, and product vendors for furs, beads, buttons, clothing, toys, and period accoutrements.

The re-enactors begin their stay on Tuesday morning and enjoy living history until Sunday afternoon. The general public is welcome to visit for $3 entry fee (no pets allowed) on Friday (9 to 4), Saturday (9 to 4) and Sunday (9-1) May 2-4. School groups (including home school groups) can visit for special demonstrations and historical tour of the Bloody Lake Battlefield, on Friday — School Day at no charge. Schools should call the YFC schools coordinator, Vicki Tollakson at 608-558-7415 so she can make sure enough tour guides are ready to accommodate the groups.

Evenings in the encampment are a special time reserved for re-enactors when the only lights are candle lanterns and campfires.  Anyone interested in history should make plans to visit during the day and collect information about becoming a participant, or a member of YFC, for the full experience. Additional information can be found at the Yellowstone Flint and Cap Club Facebook page, and questions can be sent via Facebook messenger.