Fort Connah Rendezvous is a step back in time
Historian and beaver trapper Mark Weadick stands in front of his camp beside the pelt of a 63-pound beaver he trappeded, skinned, fleshed, and dried on a hoop. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
A handmade rack of parfleches made by Brian DeGlow of LaPine, Ore., add color and uniqueness to the Fort Connah grounds. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
Tribal elder and singer Genevieve Matt was on hand to sing and coax visitors to sing at the Fort Connah Rendezvous on Saturday and Sunday. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
Gunsmith Mark Willoughby talks about making his mountain man clothing at Fort Connah's event last weekend. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
A trapper by the name of “Teaspoon” finished first in the annual Trapper’s Run – a contest of grit and physical stamina held during the 24th anniversary of the Fort Connah Rendezvous, June 14-15 at the historic outpost north of St. Ignatius.
Contestants ran three-quarters of a mile, vaulting onto the wooden “horse” and loading and firing a muzzleloader both forward and backward, carrying a bale of furs, and performing three other trapper-related skills.
The rendezvous also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Fort Connah Restoration Society and its efforts to maintain and restore the oldest building in Montana, and the grounds around it. The event drew lots of visitors and vendors, including frybread maker Rachel Lopez, the “bakery lady” Tammy Steindorf, and spinner Linda Kittle.
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