FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. — The West Virginia Wildlife Center will stage its 10th annual Rendezvous Celebration July 31 and Aug. 1, transforming the site into a living-history encampment while offering visitors access to the center’s native wildlife exhibits.
The event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Reenactors in period clothing will set up camps on the grounds to demonstrate the skills that sustained people on the Appalachian frontier, from precolonial times through the Civil War.
What visitors will see and learn
Throughout the weekend, demonstrations will cover a range of frontier crafts and survival techniques. Attendees can observe:
- Blacksmithing and woodworking
- Beadwork, sewing and traditional cooking over open fires
- Knife-making and early gunsmith craftsmanship
- Frontier scout skills and wilderness survival demonstrations
In addition to the living-history encampments, the Wildlife Center highlights species native to West Virginia along its wooded walking paths. The facility’s collection emphasizes animals that shaped life on the state’s frontier, including black bears, bobcats, river otters, elk and wolves.
“The Rendezvous is one of the Wildlife Center’s most anticipated annual events, and reaching our 10th year makes it even more special,” said Mark Biller, wildlife biologist at the West Virginia Wildlife Center. “This gathering brings West Virginia’s frontier history to life in a way that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.”
Practical details for attendees
The center encourages visitors of all ages. Demonstrations and animal exhibits are outdoors and involve walking wooded trails; attendees should plan accordingly for uneven terrain and summer weather. The event operates rain or shine.
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 10th annual Rendezvous Celebration | July 31–Aug. 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | West Virginia Wildlife Center, French Creek |
For many visitors, the most compelling part of the Rendezvous is the combination of historical interpretation and opportunities to observe animals native to West Virginia in habitats that reflect the state’s natural landscape. The Wildlife Center does not operate like a traditional zoo; it focuses specifically on Mountain State species.
Mark Biller, the center’s wildlife biologist, said the event is designed to be both educational and engaging. The return of the Rendezvous for its 10th year draws visitors who are interested in history, cultural traditions and wildlife conservation.
Those planning to attend should check the Wildlife Center’s official channels for any updates or additional programming details prior to arrival.
