Ft Buenaventura Rendezvous

By Trevor Drake

The Fort Buenaventura Rendezvous is held on Easter Weekend each year. This event marks the opening of another great season filled with activities, camping, events and more. On my visit to this years Easter Weekend Rendezvous I was treated to several fun filled family activities such as;

Dutch Oven Cooking Contests
Black Powder Rifle Shooting Contests
A Candy Cannon, for the kids
Kids Games
Hawk and Knife Throws
A Mountain Man and Women Run.
Even Canoe races

This is to mention just a few of the activities that were planned. The weather did not cooperate very well as it rained hard Fri. afternoon and night, causing the Weber River to swell over its banks and even flooded some of the teepee’s. All of this water did not dampen the spirits of the Mountain men. Today’s mountain men may not be quite as hardy as those of old, but you would have a hard time convincing them of that.

Most of the folks were dressed in attire of the Mountain men and women of the mid 1800's. There were some who dressed in the era of the late 1700's and they even showed us how they made candles and did silver smithing. These men and women were some of the most kind and warm hearted people you could ever meet.

This park is open year around and is less than one hour from downtown Salt Lake City, actually in the City limits of Ogden Utah, however you would never know you were close to any city. There are historic forts and farms, a Trading Post, on site camping, hiking trails, bird watching and more. This is some of the most beautiful country you could ever ask for.

Driving Directions: North on I 15 from Salt Lake City to Ogden go to the 24th Street exit come off the exit and go to the right. Stay on this street going east over to A Ave. and turn right. Follow A Ave. to the park entrance on your left. Fort Buenaventura is a beautiful park that is easy to find and offers lots of history.