The Perham area's Lake Country Mountaineers will host their 30th annual Black Powder Shoot this weekend Friday through Sunday, August 20-22 at Pioneer Village.
The event brings history to life with black powder enthusiasts from throughout the region traveling to Pioneer Village to attend the kid friendly rendezvous.
"We want kids to learn about history and see what life was like before 1840 and during the fur trade era," said Sherry Marquardt.
Festivities will get off with a bang Saturday morning with the firing of an authentic civil war cannon. Jody Marquardt restored the cannon. There are only three known registered cannons of this variety. Marquardt's would be the fourth.
A few of the events sponsored by the club are Hawk and Knife, an event where participants throw a knife and tomahawk at a log stump for prizes.
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Something new this year for kids is the candy cannon. A period correct cannon is loaded with candy and sends treats airborne toward waiting children, at a safe distance, of course.
"We have a town crier go out and scream, 'candy cannon' and the kids just come flocking," said Marquardt.
Approximately 100 camps, both modern and primitive dot the grounds.
Trader tents are set up selling wares, a lot of them catering to children, mostly time period correct pieces the likes of sling shots, beads, necklaces, wooden guns and games from the period.
Other events include a revolver shoot, hooter shoot, primitive bow, primitive shoot and a paper range.
According to Marquardt, the Lake Country Mountaineers Black Powder Club is a living history group that encourages people to teach their children where we came from.
"Our whole focus is to encourage families and individuals to remember the history of our country," she said.
The events are free of charge. Opening ceremonies begin Saturday at 9 a.m., and run until 4 p.m. Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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"We encourage children to come out and try the events," said Marquardt.
The public can usually approach the members and ask if their children can participate and with supervision members will teach them how to use cap and ball, muzzleloaders or primitive bow and arrows.
The archery range on the grounds has tripled in size in the past two years. Marquardt gives credit to the growing number of kids who have attended and participated at past events.
One specific young man, Melvin Spooner, of Perham is the youngest member of the club.
Spooner joined the club at with his own money and year by year put together his own period correct camp.
"He is driven to do these things," she said.
Spooner has whittled his own bow and arrows as part of the production.
Sunday morning a non-denominational Cowboy Church Service will be held from 10-11 a.m. including bluegrass gospel music and preaching. The public is invited to attend.
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