2009-08-13 / News
Wadena Rendezvous 2009
 Whistler's wares Jim Whistler of Staples, a member of the Crow Wing Muzzle Loaders, displayed a variety of weapons, leather goods and other items on a table near his camp at the Old Wadena Rendezvous. Some were for display and some for sale, with several of the leather items things that Jim made. (Staples World photo by Tom Crawford)  Rendezvous speaker Dick Oehlenschlager, left, a Wadena County native now with the Minnesota Science Museum, displayed a table full of specimens of animals he has found in Wadena County. He was present at the Old Wadena Rendezvous Saturday and Sunday, explaining (among other things) about bats that can be found in the Wadena area in summer that spend their winters in Central America. John Crandall, in cavalry uniform, was one of those attending. (Staples World photo by Tom Crawford)  Candy cannon caper Sebastian Kempf held up a piece of candy saying, "It blew the wrapper off" after being blown out of a candy cannon at the Old Wadena Rendezvous. Children were treated to two or three blasts a day from a cannon, fired by 'Doc" Watson from Gilman, one of the pre-1840s Rendezvous re-enactors. He is the son of John and Gillette Kempf of Wadena. (Staples World photo by Tom Crawford)  Fire eating Sore throat, anyone? The Clockwork Clown's act includes an impressive fire eating session. He can even swallow two flaming torches at once. (Staples World photo by Tom Crawford)  Ole stories Ole Oleson entertained folks at the Old Wadena Rendezvous Saturday and Sunday with his stories of Norwegian immigrant experiences. He described conditions in Norway and other Scandinavian countries which caused people to immigrate to the U.S., as well as conditions and hardships the people faced when they arrived in their new country. |
