Actors bring history alive at Rendezvous

Clouds threatened to disrupt the Carson City Rendezvous festivities Saturday, but the rain held off as the crowds enjoyed the trip back in time.

The opening ceremony on the green at Mills Park featured nearly a century's worth of historical actors, from the mountain men and American Indians, to the Civil War soldiers and Old West gunfighters. Pony Express riders delivered a message that Abraham Lincoln was on the way, and the 14th president arrived soon after via stagecoach. Lincoln addressed the audience citing the importance of his granting of statehood to Nevada. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee also spoke to the crowd.

The actors staged multiple demonstrations throughout the day. The main event was the skirmish between Union and Confederate soldiers, with booming cannons blasting across the green. The Union troops staged an initial charge, but the Confederates drove them back after blasting Union Colonel Harry Ehrman with a cannon shot.

Mountain men demonstrated their prowess throwing tomahawks, and let youngsters give it a try as well. A Victorian fashion show displayed examples of period clothing on the main stage in between musical acts. Visitors also crowded the food court area and the numerous booths selling crafts and other items.

The Rendezvous continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.