BARAGA - Baraga State Park celebrated its 90th anniversary last weekend, but this weekend they will harken back to an era twice that old as they host the third annual 1830s Rendezvous, run by the Upper Peninsula Muzzle Loaders Association.

"It's a partnership with the UPMLA, and the members come and set up 1830s dwellings and dress in character for the whole weekend," BSP accounting assistant Kelly Somero said.

"It's all free for the public with a vehicle recreation passport ... and there's so many more programs this year (than the previous two years)."

The weekend activities kick off at 7 p.m. tonight with a long bow program, followed by a totem pole making event for kids at 8 p.m., led by explorer guide Tara Meleen. Tomahawk hurling will also take place at 8 p.m. for those 10 years old and older.

"Tomahawks are always a big draw - everyone wants to throw a tomahawk," said UPMLA first-year president Jerry Glisson, who leads the 15-25 member organization.

A campfire sing-along will close out the evening at 9 p.m.

Saturday will be the busiest day of the Rendezvous, starting with coffee and donuts served from 9 to 11 a.m. More tomahawk hurling and kids' games will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, with a frying pan throwing contest for women at 10:30 a.m.

UPMLA members will lead several programs throughout the day, including an 11 a.m. showcase of 1830s period clothing, a program at 1 p.m. demonstrating flint and steel fire building, a program at 2 p.m. teaching rope making and a 3 p.m. program teaching how to soften buckskin.

"They'll be great opportunities to learn new things, and the really neat thing is that they're actually hands on," Somero said. There will also be several 1830s-era displays set up on the south end of the park near the teepee, where all the weekend's events will be held, including an antique gun show.

A tomahawk throwing competition will wind down Saturday's events at 6:30 p.m., with categories for men, women and kids 10 and older.

"This is a great event, and I encourage people to come out, try something different and learn how people lived before all this technology," Somero said.

According to Glisson, rendezvous started in the 1830s as a way to resupply trappers in the Rocky Mountains, and the present-day U.P. events are a way to remember that history, get younger people interested and grow UPMLA membership.

"We have high hopes that the weather will be nice, and I hope people will come out and have a good time," Glisson said.

For more information, call the park at 353-6558.