CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT
The festival aims to faithfully replicate the entire scope of frontier life and settlement, complete with historic figures, melodramas, period dances, and songs and music from the war. Last June, 605 perused the campground at our leisure, attending different workshops and performances, and engaging in conversation with the convincing reenactors, like General Custer and Teddy Roosevelt . On Saturday of the festival, Tonsfeldt herself helped dress us up in period clothing to participate in the Grand March , a tradition where actors and visitors alike can put on their finest clothes to promenade. “My favorite part of the festival is watching families, couples, individuals, the volunteers, the staff, and the reenactors enjoying the entertainment, laughing and having fun with their group, conversing with each other, and enjoying history,” said Tonsfeldt. “It makes the long days and all of the work that goes into the event totally worth it.” As the park manager, Tonsfeldt has the unique opportunity to experience the richness of tradition firsthand. She reveals two attendees who were at the very first festival in 1978 still attend every year. One of them still drives the same pickup truck he drove to the first festival, Tonsfeldt shares. “ The festival's a great time to get away from our busy life & to immerse yourself, your family, & your friends into history. ” -Ali Tonsfeldt
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