FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
October 9, 2009                                          

Fort Massac Encampment Provides a Sample of Colonial Times
Popular Southern Illinois Festival is Oct. 17-18 at Fort Massac State Park

METROPOLIS, IL – One of southern Illinois’ most popular fall festivals – the annual Fort Massac Encampment – will be held at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis on Oct. 17-18. 

“Those attending the encampment will enjoy a lively history lesson mixed with fun, food, and music at Fort Massac State Park,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller.  “It’s a great event for families and children to step back into Colonial and early American times with military re-enactors, craft demonstrations, period food and music.”

The Fort Massac Encampment is hosted by the IDNR with support from the City of Metropolis, the Friends of Fort Massac, and local sponsors.  The event provides visitors with a chance to experience what life was like at Fort Massac when it served as a military outpost along the Ohio River for personnel from France, Britain, and early America from 1757 to 1814. 

The festival begins at 10 a.m. both days.  Mock military battles and tactical demonstrations are staged by re-enactors on the Fort Massac grounds both days.  Each day’s activities close with a military retreat ceremony.   More than 500 military re-enactors and other participants wearing costumes recalling 18th and 19th century dress will perform the roles of explorers, traders, soldiers and settlers.

Event times are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 18. 

Entertainment includes musicians performing with period instruments, fife and drum corps, games, storytellers and puppet shows, along with period craft makers demonstrating skills including blacksmithing, candle-making, and weaving.  A children’s area at the fort features hands-on activities for youngsters. 

Admission is free.  Parking is provided at the Old Fairgrounds adjacent to the park.

Tram service will be provided and is accessible to visitors with disabilities.  Fort Massac State Park is closed to public vehicle traffic during the encampment weekend.

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