14th Annual Colonial Trade Faire & Musket and Rifle Frolic March 30 - April 1 at Fort de Chartres
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The blossoms, the songbirds, the musket and rifle frolic…
The ever-popular, 14th annual Colonial Trade Faire & Musket and Rifle Frolic returns to Fort de Chartres State Historic Site in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois Friday through Sunday, March 30 through April 1. And the Third Annual School Day, which allows elementary and junior high students to experience the event as a field trip, is scheduled for Friday, March 30.
Merchants, artisans and craftsmen will display and sell handmade and period wares. Mid to late 1700s period musket and rifle shooting matches will test the skills of participating re-enactors. La Bonne Epouse, or a women's contest for "The Good Wife" will be held. Other featured activities will include colonial games, period music and a benefit auction. The public is invited to watch the events free of charge and shop at the Trade Faire. The event is presented by Chasseurs du Datchurat
The Third Annual School Day will be held Friday, March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can observe and participate in such 18th century skills such as leather work, fire starting and candle making. Save Illinois History is offering this field trip at a price of $5 per student, and the program is recommended for fourth graders through junior high school. Visit www.saveillinoishistory.com for registration information.
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov), is located four miles west of Prairie du Rocher and 37 miles south of Belleville. Take Route 3 to Route 155 and follow the signs. For more information call (618) 284-7230, email ftdchart@htc.net, or visit www.ftdechartres.com on the web.