Ep 3. Green River Rendezvous

In the third episode of Fantastic Festivals of the World season 1, viewers are transported to the beautiful and wild Green River Rendezvous in Pinedale, Wyoming. This annual festival takes place every July and celebrates the fur trade era of the 1800s, when Pinedale served as a meeting point for fur trappers and traders.

The episode begins with stunning aerial footage of Pinedale and the surrounding mountains. Viewers then meet some of the locals, who explain the history of the event and the importance of preserving the traditions of the fur trade era. As the festival begins, we see people from all over the region, dressed in period costumes, gathering to participate in the festivities.

One of the highlights of the Green River Rendezvous is the reenactment of the famous Rendezvous Race, where teams of runners race through the town, carrying a bundle of furs. We witness the excitement and energy as the runners take off, their families and friends cheering them on. Another exciting event is the Mountain Man Camp, where visitors can learn about the skills and tools used by fur trappers and traders, such as fire-making, hide-tanning, and trap-setting.

Throughout the episode, we also get to meet some of the vendors and craftsmen who come to sell their wares at the festival. These include leatherworkers, blacksmiths, and bow-makers, all of whom are dedicated to keeping the traditions of their ancestors alive. We watch as they demonstrate their skills and talk about their work, sharing their passion with the viewers.

Of course, no festival would be complete without food and music, and the Green River Rendezvous delivers on both counts. We see people enjoying traditional foods such as buffalo burgers, fry bread, and roasted corn. And as night falls, we are treated to a concert by a local band, playing traditional folk tunes on banjos and fiddles.

But perhaps the most touching moment of the episode comes as we meet a group of Native American dancers who have come to perform at the festival. They explain the meaning behind their dances and regalia, and we see them in action, their rhythmic footwork and colorful costumes a beautiful testament to their culture.

Overall, the Green River Rendezvous is a celebration of history, tradition, and community. It is a reminder that even in our modern world, there are still pockets of the past that we can visit and learn from. This episode of Fantastic Festivals of the World captures the spirit and energy of the event, and introduces viewers to the people who make it all happen.