Rendezvous Days’ numbers way up

Participation in all aspects of the Rendezvous Days celebration was higher than last year, which could build strong momentum for next year’s 75th celebration.

“I was concerned that because of the economy being down, turnout would be down, but it was as big as ever, ” said Mayor Stephen Smith.

Terrie Swift, executive director of the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce, said parade entries nearly doubled, and the Visitors’ Center greeted more people than ever before, recording 1,131 visitors on Saturday alone. There were about 150 participants in the Green River Rendezvous Pageant this year, too, up by about 50.

“It was really good for our business community,” Swift said.

Laurie Hartwig said that there were more spectators than usual at the Museum of the Mountain Man, including three descendants of original mountain men. Some events were so popular, only standing room was available.

One of those was the Plains Indians encampment with Michael Terry, Native American expert. This was his 16th year at Rendezvous Days, sharing his expert insight on the lifestyles of the Plains Indians.

Hartwig said that the only troublesome incident was when four Boy Scouts were trapped in the elevator, but firefighters were able to get them out. All in all, the event was successful.

“A lot of information shared and a lot of new friends made,” Hartwig said.

Pat Bozner, owner of the Corral Bar, said, “It seemed a little less crowded, but I don’t know if that’s bad.”

The Corral was open until 6 a.m. Sunday morning, and she said about 40 people stayed until close. Despite the crowds, there was not one fight.

There were no fights at the Wind River Brewery, either, said brewmaster Richie Strom. He saw three fights break out last year and said the bar was even more crowded than it has been during previous Rendezvous Days.

Sheriff Wayne “Bardy” Bardin said that the Sheriff’s Office and the Highway Patrol issued more citations during Rendezvous Days this year. They issued 44 citations, and last year they issued just 28. Of those offenses, they made 27 arrests this year, compared to 20 arrests last year. Bardin credited the increase to a larger police presence, especially on the highway system, not to an increase in crime.

Ten of the arrests were for DUI/DWI, and four of them were issued to pedestrians under the influence. Bardin said there were two drug violations, too, but most of the citations were for parking and speeding offenses.

For the complete article see the 07-24-2009 issue.

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