EVANSTON, Wyo. – The Bear River Rendezvous recently brought together mountain men and women, families, and traders to Bear River State Park in Evanston, Wyoming, for a multi-day event celebrating historical traditions and fostering community. Despite rainy weather, participants did not waver.
The rendezvous tradition, which historically includes tribal nations alongside mountain men, is also observed locally. Ogden, for example, hosts annual events at Fort Buenaventura. The larger Fort Bridger event, located further down the interstate, is noted as the biggest rendezvous west of Florida.
Among the participants preparing for daily competitions were Scott and Sam Williams, a father and son duo. Scott wore a traditional woven overcoat and bandolier, while Sam sported a Union Army blue overcoat. Their friend, Jason Jenson, wore leather with latigo. Jenson explained their connection, saying, "I'm actually not even related to these guys. We just, we literally met on the range. And we've been friends, and we text randomly throughout the year." Sam Williams, now 20, started competing at the event at age 10, using a gun he won as a child competitor.
The competition was described as real but not aggressively competitive, in contrast to the more intense atmosphere reportedly found at the larger Fort Bridger event. Participants in Evanston, like "Teaspoon" and his wife, also competed in Native traditional wear. Teaspoon, who is from Nebraska, shared that he travels to rendezvous in the summer and tans hides in the winter. He achieved the second-best score in the Mountain Man Run competition.
The event drew both local attendees and travelers, many of whom are retired and live out of trailers and tents. Traders like Layne Wardell, operating under "White River Traders," offered handmade steel implements incorporating antlers and horns, with his son forging the blades using a coal forge for heat treating and tempering. Lucas Roberts, another trader, sold wooden toys, including knives, guns, and rubber-tipped arrow bows, having changed professions from truck driving to pursue this life.
Children were a significant part of the gathering, lining up for a candy cannon—a wide steel pipe that safely sprayed taffy across the common area. Competitions featured categories for men, women, and youth, with youth receiving larger prizes. Scott Williams explained that this approach is intended "to encourage them to be a part of things."
The rendezvous taps into a deeper cultural appeal, embodying the spirit of roaming, sleeping hard, and exploring the Mountain West. Troy Winchester, originally from South Weber, attended the event with his grandson, Erik, an Evanston high school senior. Erik underscored the primary reason for his attendance: "The biggest part is I'm hanging out with my grandpa." Winchester also noted the significant investment required, saying, "It takes a lot of money to look this poor."
Scott Williams similarly expressed the personal significance of the event, particularly seeing his son, Sam, share his passion. Scott demonstrated methodical competence during the Mountain Man Run, precisely loading his single-shot rifle and pistol to shoot targets. He finished with the second-best score of the day, following Teaspoon.
At the close of the day, all gathered around a "council fire" for competition results and prize distribution, with a clear emphasis on celebrating youth participants. In the historical and contemporary context, a rendezvous signifies a planned gathering, allowing individuals who spend time in the wilderness to reconnect with familiar faces and community.