Sun staff
Community members had a chance to step back in time experience life as it was in the southern Ohio’s frontier past during the Grassy Run Heritage Rendezvous in Williamsburg April 26-28.
According to the Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee, the event is held close to the anniversary of the Battle of Grassy Run, which took place in Clermont County April 10, 1792 in Jackson Township.
The 21st annual Grassy Run Heritage Rendezvous featured a slew of historical demonstrations, speakers, activities, shopping opportunities, and more at the community park in Williamsburg.
The park resembled a camp in the 1700s with demonstrators set up in the grass making ropes, weaving, sawing wood, making guns, playing music, and completing daily chores.
“I like how it is outdoors and all the activities we do like weaving and the wood cutting,” Elsa Khan, a 10-year-old from Summit County Day School in Cincinnati, said.
Rich Hoyt, a teacher at the school, said bringing the students to Grassy Run Rendezvous is a great experience.
“I think it is a great opportunity for them to get to experience what it was like in the 1700s,” Hoyt said.
Connie Frith said she home schools her daughter, Hannah, and brought her out to learn more about her heritage.
“So far, I think it is great,” Frith said about the event.
Hannah Frith said she loved the event and all the activities.
Many students from schools in the area came out to the event on “school day” April 26, and the historical demonstrations and activities continued throughout the weekend.
“All things considered we had a good weekend,” George West, president of the Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee, said about the event.
West said they had a good school day on Friday and had a good turnout on Saturday until the rain moved in during the evening.
“With the weather report fluctuating enough, people were concerned and some left Saturday night,” West said about the demonstrators. “I would apologize to any folks who did show up Sunday that there weren’t as many people there.”
West said they are looking forward to some new demonstrations next year and continuing with many of the demonstrations from this year.
“It’s a lot of work,” West said about putting on the event. “But it is fun, and worth it, especially to see all the kids having fun.”
West said next year’s rendezvous will be held April 25-27.
For more information about the festival or the Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee, visit www.grassyrun.org.