Ft. Union Rendezvous cancelled over loss of staffing

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The annual Ft. Union Rendezvous will not happen this year.

The Rendezvous, which takes place in June, is a reenactment event where history enthusiasts and artisans showcase what life was like during the 1800s when settlers traded Native American goods and shipped them down the Missouri River.

Fort Union Superintendent Alice Hart says staffing challenges made it too difficult to hold the event. She says they have just three permanent employees this year, about a third of their regular number.

“While volunteer contributions are greatly appreciated, the complexity and scale of the event require consistent and reliable support that cannot be fully met through volunteer efforts alone and cannot replace the efforts and authority of NPS employees required to prepare, manage, troubleshoot, supervise, and follow up after the event. Compounding this issue, we will have no staff available to recruit, schedule, and supervise volunteers,” said Hart.

Hart also says the ability to allocate funds has been restricted to essential operations only.

“We remain committed to continuing this tradition in the future and will work towards bringing the Rendezvous back when staffing and resources permit,” said Hart.

Fort Union is located in Northwest North Dakota near Trenton.