.......18th century colonial French, that is!

I grew up anticipating the Feast of the Hunter's Moon every October. This festival, based upon the activity surrounding Fort Quiatenon and the nearby Wea (First Nations) village, is important marker of my childhood. I sang my first paying gig here --- at 13, in a bluegrass band! The history, music, aromas and, oh yes, food, are amazing. The event draws hundreds of reenactors, representing French settlers, Voyageurs (french trappers), First Nations, British, Scottish and early American regiments. Over 60,000 spectators attend in 2 days.

Since joining YLF, the Feast has also caused me to reflect on some of the practicalities of fashion. For example, your coat can double as your blanket (ponchos, anyone?), and you can adapt to your changing body over decades with laces and ties in place of structured waistbands with buttons and zippers). I was reminded of the sort of stewardship that uses all of the animal --- although the raccoon hats (not just the tail, ala Daniel Boone, but the whole head) were a bit alarming. And the day isn't complete with a glimpse of the iconic "loincloth man." He's been a regular since the 70s.

What kind of modern dressing inspiration would you take from these pics? (I've tried to protect privacy, so there are lots of rear shots)

1. A "sutler" sells clothing to reenactors. Notice the laced corset containing the chemise and covering the waistband?

2/3. The Voyageurs land in their birchbark canoes. You can see the French Priest, who will offer a blessing, in one of the canoes. Races are held later in the day, and usually involve stealing a woman from the shore. I've been known to set my friends up for a surprise boat ride by positioning them close to the ramp!

4. I followed this sweet Dad and his kids for awhile on my way to purchase an herbed pork chop (sold by the Rossville Future Farmers) and corn on the cob from the local Progressive school. Loved his blanket coat, and his little band of reenactors. They would have slept in a canvas tent the night before.

5. A local boy scout troop spends the weekend baking apple dumplings in huge wooden ovens, and stirring a cidery sauce in large copper pots over fires. The lines get long, so eat your apple dumpling for breakfast and then loosen your laces!

6/7 There are at least 7 fife and drum corps in my area, representing different periods in the Fort's history. This one is British. Notice the Highlander in the foreground? There was a Scottish regiment stationed here for awhile, and there are bagpipes and Highland games to prove it! In my youth, they were all male, and known to party the whole weekend. Now, the ladies can join, too! Love the socks! The Highlanders sell Fofar Bridies as their fundraiser. DH always gets two!

8. This small group of friends were making the most of the day! They are wearing "hobby horse" (or chicken) outfits that the woman in the center created. Let's just say that the woman in the center had a flask in his pannier petticoats! JFE?

9-12. More period clothing for sale.

13. Millenial hipster take on Feast fashion. This group was fascinating. Notice the young woman wearing the breeches and striped scarf. And the gentleman in the fetching blue coat! These folks were spectators making the most of the opportunity for a little cosplay.

15. Me? I just dressed to keep warm. I knew I would also smell like wood smoke, so everything gets thrown directly in the wash! Next year, I think I might like to wear a blanket poncho!

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