Fort Bridger Rendezvous

For years, I wanted to check out the annual Fort Bridger Rendezvous in southwest Wyoming. It is held every Labor Day weekend and for many years there was always an excuse not to make the drive and participate. Until last year. Last year I decided to make the time and I’m glad I did.

A brief history first. Fort Bridger was a fur trading outpost established by mountain man Jim Bridger in 1842. It became a much needed resupply station for wagon trains because at this geographic point, the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails were all one. The army established a military base here in 1858 until 1890 so there is a little bit of military history associated with it. Now, it is a historic site open year round with a small Wyoming town near the fort that shares the same name.

Once a year though, the 350-ish population of the town more than doubles in size for the four-day celebration. Think of it as a Renaissance Fair but with the mountain man culture. There’s food. There’s wares to buy. There’s performances. There’s people. So many people. Some are dressed up in historical outfits – with the stipulation that the outfits must not be newer than 1840 fashion. There were even what George of the Jungle called “butt flaps” for those in Native American dress. I’m pretty sure there was more than meets the eye to that costume but I can’t guarantee it.

Last year I went into all the buildings and looked at the exhibits. This year, I walked down Traders Row to look at the wares. I then watched some of the Native American performances. I wondered what the event called “Candy Cannon” involved (for the record, it is pretty self-explanatory. Candy was shot out of a cannon). I got me a pulled pork BBQ sandwich and sat in some shade while looking at the tipis. In hindsight, I could have turned around and at least people watched. I also took my bottle from last year and got a refill on some home made cream soda.

The event costs $5.00 to get in. There is limited paid parking but this year I just pulled a mile up and parked alongside the road (that was the first available space). There is some overnight camping available but I don’t know the details on that since I have never stayed the night.