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SPECIAL EVENTS Some wonderful things are happening all over McHenry County...

TRAIL OF HISTORY SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday, October 18, 2008 and Sunday, October 19, 2008

NOTE: Glacial Park Trail and Parking Area Closures during Trail of History

Who? – Sponsored by the McHenry County Conservation District

What? – The Trail of History is a living history interpretive event. Interpreters from across the country portray and demonstrate life as it was from 1670 – 1850 in the former Northwest Territory which encompasses present day Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and portions of eastern Minnesota. The event’s focus is to show the interrelationship between nature, man and cultural development.

When? – The third full weekend in October from 9 am - 4 pm; the admittance gate closes at 3:30 pm to allow visitors time to make the one-mile hike through the park to the encampment site so plan your trip accordingly! For those unable to make the walk, there is a special needs parking area; a shuttle from the special needs parking area to the event site is available. Sorry, pets are not allowed into the event.

Where? – Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Rd. in Ringwood, IL; located off of Rt. 31 between the cities of McHenry and Richmond, IL. printable map

How Much? – Cost is $6 per adult or $2 per child (ages 6-12) and senior citizens (60 years and older). Children ages 5 years and under are free.

Discounted advance sale tickets for groups of 10 or more good for Saturday only will be available after Labor Day at the MCCD Main Office at Brookdale in Woodstock or Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake. Advance sale tickets must be purchased at least 2 weeks in advance for mail order; 1 week in advance for pick up. Discount price reflects a 25% discount: $4.50 adult; $1.50 child/senior.

History of the Event:
The first event occurred in 1989 and was named the Kames Rendezvous. In 1990, the event was renamed Trail of History to reflect the increased focus toward living history interpretation. There were 18 encampments in the Kames Rendezvous and that number has increased to approximately 140 this year. The living history interpreters are selected from across the country and invited to participate based on their ability to accurately portray life in 18th and 19th century America.

The McHenry County Conservation District presents the Trail of History with the assistance of numerous volunteers from McHenry County and other areas and re-enactors from across the country. Of course, the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of thousands of enthusiastic patrons of all ages!

The Trail of History encampment is nestled at the foot of the glacial kames in the rolling terrain of Glacial Park at Harts Road and Route 31 in Ringwood. It occurs annually in October just as the prairie grasses and trees display their vibrant colors. The one-mile walk through spectacular glacial landscape is interspersed with trail stops highlighting natural and cultural topics that prepare the visitor for the encampment to follow.

 

 

 

 

View the 2007 Schedule of Events

Please call 815-338-MCCD (6223) or email MCCD@MCCDistrict.org for more information.

VOLUNTEERS
Want to participate in the Trail of History?

HISTORICAL RE-ENACTORS/PARTICIPANTS:
Contact Deb Chapman, MCCD Education Manager at 815-479-5779 or email dchapman@mccdistrict.org
or
Kim Caldwell, Trail of History Booshway, at 815-678-2219 or email kcaldwell@mccdistrict.org.

DISTRICT TENT VOLUNTEERS/NON RE-ENACTORS:
Contact Denice Beck, MCCD Volunteer Coordinator, at 815-338-6223 ext. 229 or email volunteers@mccdistrict.org.
Costumed and non-costumed positions are available.