Published 6:10 pm Friday, October 4, 2024 By Staff Reports Andrew Voeltz, from a homeschool group, sits in an authentic stagecoach at Big Island Rendezvous Thursday. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Many vendors, presenters and historic reenactors were at Big Island Rendezvous Thursday to talk to students from area schools. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Rick Hird teaches a presentation at Big Island Rendezvous on the War of 1812 told from a Canadian or British perspective.

Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Students from Pacelli Catholic School listen to a presentation on the Canadian perspective of the War of 1812. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Students listen to a moving and true tale by storyteller LuAnn Adams, an Albert Lea native who now lives in New York. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Seventh-graders from Medford Middle School watch two pirates give a swordfight demonstration at Big Island Rendezvous Thursday.

Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune A woman demonstrates a few of the toys that were once popular during Big Island Rendezvous Education Days. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune Students learn about the Louisiana Purchase during Education Days at Big Island Rendezvous. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune By Ayanna Eckblad The 38th annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival began Thursday morning with students from area schools visiting the historical reenactment and spending the day learning about the past.

Many different schools were represented at this event.