Description: On June 1 of each year through 2006, Virgelle Mercantile and Missouri River Canoe Company chart a course to a bygone era when buckskin and linen, muskets and knives, and buffalo and grizzly ruled civilized advancement on the open plains and mountains of the great northwest.'Step back in time' at the old town site of Virgelle and record your own discoveries, as fur-trade era enthusiasts practice the ways of the mountain man and pioneer settlers of the Montana territory. Relive the days of Lewis and Clark and compose your own version of the way it used to be. Starting at 9:00am: Postage Stamp Cancellation; in cooperation with the United States Postal Service, Virgelle Mercantile will offer stamp cancellations in memory of the days when Virgelle was an important site of commercial activity. Visitors will have a chance to meet and visit with one of the actual Postmasters of Virgelle. Big Sandy High School Speech and Debate Club will be reading from the old Lewis and Clark journals. Bru's Chuck Wagon Catering will be available for lunch service from their 'chuck wagon' along the boardwalk. Starting at 1:00pm, visitors can watch a live performance by Bob Garrison, depicting the use of primitive tools and weapons. A Rendezvous of mountain men, trappers and black powder enthusiasts will take place as the group prepare for a 3-day float along the Missouri River, recreating life of fur traders in the days of Lewis and Clark. Artist Cindy Torok will demonstrate the art of cooking from the early days of white settlement on the Upper Missouri River. All day long Vicki Gondeiro will be demonstrating the methods used to make clothing, during the time of Lewis and Clark. Starting at 5:00pm guests can enjoy a unique western-style steak supper complete with rib eye steak fondue. Those wishing to partake of this special offering will need to purchase a $20.00 ticket from the Mercantile at least 2 weeks prior to June 1. Availability of tickets is limited, so make your reservations early.
Directions: Touch the Trail of Lewis and Clark will be held at the town site of Virgelle.
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