Upcoming Events in 2004

There are a number of significant events that will be held to celebrate the adventures of these men. This year (2004) there will be six significant events along the path first trod by these soldiers two hundred years ago.

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1. In 2004, one of the first will be the "Three Flags Ceremony" in Saint Louis, Missouri, March 12-14, 2004. The National Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Committee will observe the 200th anniversary of the transfer of Louisiana Territory from Spain and France and then to the United States. On sites surrounding the grounds of the Gateway Arch over the Mississippi River, activities on display will feature the cultures of the Louisiana Territory. The French, the Spanish, Anglo-American, and Osage Tribe, through reenactments and interactive displays relating the legacies of the these cultures in America and highlighting the roles of these cultures play in today’s world. Musical performances and, possibly, an Air Force flyover will precede the ceremony. Online: louisianapurchase.umsl.edu

For a reenactor, one of the interesting aspects of this event is that it is also a reenactment of previous reenactments. Indeed, the Garde Republicaine, the premier French military band will also perform at this event, as they also did in the reenactment performed at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. On March 13, 2004, Les Amis, the region’s French colonial heritage preservation group, will present a Creole Ball at which guests will meet costumed actors portraying the original participants in the historic event.

2. "The Expedition Faces West" is the next event from May 14th to 23rd, 2004, in St. Charles, Mo. A replica of Lewis and Clark’s keelboat will arrive in Saint Charles on May 15 from Camp River DuBois, with more than a week of events and fun. The keelboat and pirogues will be on display during the event and crew members will be available to meet and talk with visitors as they prepare for the journey westward. Weekends will include colorful reveille and retreat ceremonies with over 25 fife and drum corps and military units from across the United States. An authentic reenactment of Lewis and Clark’s encampment will be a focal point of the event. Foods from the time period, 19th century crafts, a Native American encampment, and horse and carriage parades will continue through the event. Online: www.lewisandclarkstcharles.com

3. "Heart Of America: A Journey Fourth" will take place next from July 3-4, 2004, at Atchison and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. On July 4, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition observed the 28th birthday of the Declaration of Independence by firing their swivel cannon and issuing an extra ration of whiskey to the troops. Online: http://www.journey4th.org/

4. "The First Tribal Council" will be next from July 31-Aug. 3, 2004, at Fort Atkinson Historical Park, Fort Calhoun, Neb. This event will include an outdoor dramatic reenactment of the first council between the Corps of Discovery and the Otoe and Missouri tribes, as well as the Nebraska Lewis and Clark Powwow, in Omaha, Nebraska. Every tribe along the Lewis and Clark trail, as well s tribes throughout North America will be invited to participate in the Powwow. Online: www.visitnebraska.org

5. "The Oceti Sakowin: Remembering And Education" will take place on August 27-28, 2004, at Chanberlain and Oacoma, S.D. This event will focus on the history and culture of Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires of the Sioux people, before, during and after Lewis and Clark visited. Online: www.travelsd.com

6. "A Circle Of Cultures: Time Of Renewal And Change" will wrap up the bicentennial ceremonies on Oct. 22-31, 2004, near Bismarck, N.D. This event will showcase the place where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1804-05 and introduce visitors to the thriving, centuries-old trading center of the Northern Plains. Visitors will taste what they tasted, see what they saw, and hear what they heard. See: http://www.circleofcultures.com/ and online: www.fortlincoln.com

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