The 2023 Dripping Springs Living History Encampment and Mountain Man Redezvous returns next week, and the public is invited to come take a journey back in time at the annual event.
The Rendezvous is sponsored by the Indian Territory Rendezvous Club, The Southeast Colorado Council of Buckskinners and the City of Okmulgee. Jeremy Kitchen serves as president of the Indian Territory Rendezvous Club.
The event captures the lives of the mountain men and women of the Fur Trade Era. Everything from the attire to the food they ate, are showcased in the event. Participants from around the state and the country present demonstrations involving black powder shooting, primitive archery, fire making, Dutch Oven cooking and tomahawk and knife throwing.
Visitors from area schools and the community are encouraged to visit the rendezvous site, getting a first-hand look at life during that period. Attendees are also able to purchase items such as furs, pelts, homemade shoes, clothing and jewelry created by the re-enactors.
Rendezvous campers will begin setting up on Nov. 6, and the public will be able to visit on Nov. 1011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The admission is $2 for ages 12 and up, 11 and under, military and first responders, are free to enter and donations are appreciated.
For those participating in the encampment, there will be a hot dog camp feed on Thursday night, and a Dutch Oven Cookoff and potluck on Saturday evening. A church service is planned for Sunday morning as campers begin tear-down.
Firewood and water will be on site for campers, with hot showers nearby along with modern camp with water and electric hook-ups. For information on park fees, contact 918-756-5971.
For more information, contact Indian Territory Rendezvous Club at 918-752-4135 or on Facebook at Drippings Springs Rendezvous.
The event is held at 20210 S. 150 Rd. in Okmulgee.
Directions: Starting from Hwy. 75 in Okmulgee, take 6th Street west through downtown about six miles to the entrance of Okmulgee Lake area. Then follow the lake road around Okmulgee lake about seven miles to Dripping Springs Lake area and Rendezvous site which will have signage.
Alternate route: Starting from Hwy. 75 in Okmulgee, take 20th Street west (it becomes Sharp Road) and go about seven miles to Wilson Road. Turn south (left) and go one mile to Honey Creek Road, then turn west (right) onto Honey Creek Road and go four miles to Rendezvous site.
