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Old-fashioned fun
By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer
Dade City and environs will be brimming with old-time activities today through Sunday as the eighth annual Mountain Man Rendezvous and the 13th annual Quilt and Textile Show open to the public. Mountain Man Rendezvous, sponsored by Osceola Productions and the Pasco County Parks and Recreation department, is in Withlacoochee River Park and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday. Quilt and Textile Show, at the Pioneer Florida Museum, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEZVOUSThe purpose of the Mountain Man Rendezvous is to let people of all ages have a good time as they learn about the lives and interests of fur trappers and pioneers who lived in the West before the 1840s. Some trappers lived in tents, others lived outdoors, depending on pine boughs or caves to shelter themselves from harsh weather. Pioneers' homes usually were rustic, makeshift cabins hastily built from logs. Reproductions of these living styles will be shown at the Mountain Man Rendezvous, named for the gatherings the men and the Native Americans held to trade furs, guns, cooking implements, clothes and even food. Previous events have attracted rendezvous enthusiasts from all over the country. Some set up shop to sell fry bread, "prairie dogs" (actually pork sausage wrapped in fry bread), and coffee made from coffee beans boiled in a big pot over an open fire, as well as leather and bead crafts. A favorite booth sells blueberry buckwheat pancakes and omelets for breakfast. The campgrounds have several wooden buildings built in the style that would have been used by pioneers at that time. Campsites are scattered around the grounds, with the aroma of burning wood creating the atmosphere of that day. Activities typical of the era are planned throughout the three days. TODAY 1 p.m.: Tug of war between Mountain Men and Native Americans 2:30 p.m.: Foot races 3 p.m.: Spitting contest 3:30 p.m. Fry pan toss SATURDAY 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Tug of war 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Foot races Noon and 3 p.m.: Spitting contest 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Fry pan toss 4:30 p.m.: Pie contest SUNDAY 11 a.m.: Tug of war 1 p.m.: Foot races 2 p.m. Spitting contest 2:30 p.m. Fry pan toss In addition, tomahawk and knife-throwing and bow-and-arrow shooting contests will be held throughout all three days. Mountain men also will compete in black powder gun shooting and re-loading contests. The site also has a Creek Indian village, where reenactors will make venison stew. QUILT AND TEXTILE SHOWQuilters from all over central Florida will exhibit -- and some will sell -- quilts in all designs, styles and colors at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village's 13th annual Quilt and Textile Show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on the museum grounds off U.S. 301 northeast of Dade City. The traveling Hoffman Challenge collection of quilts, quilted clothing and dolls will be on exhibit. The clothing will be shown in a fashion show at 2 p.m. both days. In the Mabel Jordan Barn, quilters will demonstrate quilting techniques, as well as tatting bobbin and lace making, crocheting, rug hooking and rug weaving. A model train exhibit will be in the Trilby Depot. All the buildings on the grounds will be open for tours, including the 1930s-era Lacoochee one-room school; the 1860s John Overstreet House, the 1905 Enterprise Methodist Church, the 1913 Bromley Shoe Shop, the 1927 Smith Country Store and the cane mill, replica of a moonshine still, and the Main Building museum collections. Entertainers are Jenny Linn, Jimmy Davis and Ralph Davis from Barb's Family Dining in Zephyrhills. Refreshments will be for sale. At a glanceWHAT: Eighth annual Mountain Man Rendezvous WHERE: Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City (From U.S. 301/U.S. 98 bypass, go east on River Road to the park) WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday TICKETS: $2 adults, ages 12 and younger free. For camping, call (352) 567-0264 WHAT: 13th annual Quilt and Textile Show WHERE: Pioneer Florida Museum, off U.S. 301 one mile northeast of Dade City WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday TICKETS: $6 for adults; free parking
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