METROPOLIS, Ill. (KFVS) - The 50th annual Fort Massac Encampment returns to Metropolis on October 19-20.
Event times are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Fort Massac State Park.
Organizers say the popular event draws thousands of visitors to southern Illinois every fall.
Since 1974, the encampment has shown visitors what life was like at Fort Massac in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The fort served as a frontier outpost along the Ohio River for France, Britain and the United States' early years from 1757 to 1814.
According to organizers, hundreds of military reenactors and other participants wearing period clothing will play the roles of explorers, traders, settlers and soldiers.
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There will even be a brand-new drone show, which will take place Saturday at 7 p.m.
The encampment will feature an opening “Posting of the Colours” ceremony at 10 a.m. on both days, followed by mock military battles and tactical demonstrations.
A military retreat ceremony will close the event at 5 p.m. on Saturday and at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Other events include children’s activities, music, period craft makers, food and vendors.
Parking is free and will be available at the Old Fairgrounds near the park. Organizers say trams will also be available.
The free event is hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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