Every year on the second weekend after Labor Day, visitors can view first hand what life in Early America was like at the annual Grand Rogue Encampment. This year's dates are September 15 & 16, 2007. The event is held at the Grand Rogue Campground, in the 6400 block of West River Drive. They can also see the booths of merchants, or sutlers, that traveled with the army. These sutlers provided items needed for everyday life.

At the Grand Rogue Encampment, history buffs from all over the Midwest, wearing authentic period clothing and living in period shelters, will present programs throughout the weekend.  Activities will include musket and cannon firing, men's and women's period fashion shows, and tactical demonstrations.

The average participant has upwards of $1,000.00 invested in authentic period clothing and equipment, and countless hours of research devoted to their portrayal.  Many of them have participated as consultants and extras in historical films and documentaries, including “The Last of the Mohicans” and the award winning History Channel series “Frontier: Legends of the Old Northwest”.

Activities will run on Saturday from 1 0:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and on Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 4 P.M. The Grand Rogue Campground is located on the banks of the Grand River in the 6400 block of West River Dr., just north of Grand Rapids.  The Encampment is free and open to the public. For more information call (616) 458-4440, or visit the Encampment website at http://www.grandrogueencampment.com .