The Florida Frontiersmen are hosts of the 49th annual Alafia River Rendezvous. With over one thousand children and adults that portray pre-1840’s camp life, it has become one of the largest such gatherings in the southeast. It is located on the Florida Frontiersmen Property in Homeland, Florida, and is open to the public for only two days a year. The event helps provide scholarships to local high school students, as well as other educational opportunities for the general public. The Alafia River Rendezvous is held in January.

The camp goes “primitive” for the week with only pre-1840’s objects allowed, and throughout the week there are daily activities such as basket weaving, shooting contests, and musical performances. Many vendors or sutlers also participate and many offer one-of-a-kind items that are unique to the time period. There is even a daily school that participating children can attend while absent from their modern counterparts. The camp is so large it is broken down into areas and streets, with a Governer and sheriffs to keep "the peace.” (so you better hide your cellphone!)“ The last two days of the rendezvous are set aside for the public to experience this special slice of pre-1840’s America. There is so much to see including camp life, blacksmithing, trade demonstrations, and so many interpreters that are only too willing to share their stories.

I was lucky to attend the Press Day and get a premium tour of the entire site without it being open to the public. I was able to see firsthand the hundreds of living history interpreters that come near and far to participate. We were even treated to a special lunch of rabbit and other delicacies that would have been popular back in the day. I wish to thank Ron Clark and Casey Fletcher of the Florida Frontiersmen for their hospitality and I look forward to visiting again next year. Next year the Alafia River Rendezvous will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary!

I have more photographs available to view at: 2020 Alafia River Rendezvous