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Muzzleloaders to hold rendezvous in Florence

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The days of mountain men and trading posts are long gone, but the Flint Hills Muzzleloaders Club strives to keep their memory alive.

The group of approximately 35 members plans to hold a rendezvous with other muzzleloaders at their campground at Florence during the Labor Day weekend. The public is invited to visit the camp on Saturday or Sunday.

To get to the campground, go to Main Street, then west over the railroad tracks, and south on a gravel road. Proceed past the "City of Florence Burn Site" sign to reach the campground.

The property is leased from the city and comprises more than 10 acres of open and wooded country nestled between the Cottonwood River and Doyle Creek.

Ample parking space is available for people who desire to visit the campground to view or participate in rendezvous activities. Handicap parking is available, along with portable bathroom facilities.

The campground includes primitive and modern camp sites. There are no electricity or sewer hookups, but Coleman lanterns, generators, tents, and even RVs are allowed in the modern campsite. No aluminum cans are allowed on the primitive side.

Club members wear clothing in vogue any time prior to the 1940s, such as kilts, bloomers, and leathers. Each member has a name, such as Two Feathers or Talking Bear.

Some members erect teepees, but most set up pyramid tents, wall tents, or marquees. Some also erect primitive gravity-flow showers.

The Labor Day rendezvous is expected to bring muzzleloaders from throughout Kansas as well as surrounding states. Traders will join them and set up trading posts on-site.

"We leave home Friday evening and camp out all weekend," said Karen Konarik, a member of the group.

She said the rendezvous is a safe environment for children. They roam free, running around barefoot and playing in an adjacent swimming hole.

Craftsmen display their ability in primitive crafts such as weaving, quilting with porcupine quills, and fashioning arrows and knives out of flint rock.

Evenings are spent sitting around campfires, talking with friends, playing guitars, and singing.

"At nighttime, it is gorgeous because of the candles and the campfires," Konarik said.

Shooting contests will begin late Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday morning. Weapons include black powder rifles, pistols, and tomahawk and knife throws, as well as bow and arrow contests. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors are welcome to participate.

Jeff Schmidt, a member from Marion, said more experienced shooters are willing to show others how to hit their target.

"We help each other out," he said.

Contestants are awarded points. At noon Sunday, the points are added up and prizes awarded to adults and juniors.

The Grand Aggregate prize goes to the top placer in all three divisions — rifle, pistol, and hawk and knife.

Beebee contests, games, and sandboxes are available for children. Women participate in dutch oven cook-offs and frying pan throwing contests.

A cook usually operates a food stand for visitors, but this year no food will be available to the public.

A meal will be provided Saturday evening by the club for campers, shooters, and traders.

"This year we are making beef stew," Konarik said. "We make it in big, cast iron kettles."

After the meal, round robin trading will commence. Members travel from one campsite to another. One individual displays items on a blanket, while others sit around in a semi-circle and decide whether or not to make a trade.

By Sunday evening, people will begin to break camp and some will leave.

Remaining muzzleloaders will march in the Labor Day parade on Monday.

A hawk and knife throwing demonstration will be provided downtown prior to the parade.

History and organization

Flint Hills Muzzleloaders Club was founded in May of 1980 for the purpose of "preserving our heritage, and to teach children how their forefathers lived, to promote good sportsmanship, respect for other hunters and their property, and the care of and respect for weapons."

Larry Lalouette of Florence was instrumental in bringing the club to the Florence site in 1995. This is the 11th year club members will hold a rendezvous at Florence and participate in the Labor Day parade.

The club is well-organized. Officers are Dan Kyle, Florence, president; Frank Cook, Florence, vice president; Karen Konarik, Lincolnville, secretary; and Lynette Schmidt, Marion, treasurer.

Three camp dogs (law enforcement officers) are Kevin Parker, Emporia, Jeff Schmidt, Marion, and Jeff Johnson, Parker. Robert Konarik, Lincolnville, is the chief range officer.

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