The Feast of the Hunters' Moon
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The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon is annual celebration re-creating the fall festival started by French settlers and Native Americans. It takes place at the present-day site of Fort Ouiatenon, a replica 18th century French military and trading post located three miles southwest of Lafayette, Indiana-West Lafayette, Indiana.
The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon re-creates the festival of the same name which began in 1721. The Feast occurred each fall when French fur traders would return to Fort Ouiatenon after spending the summer in Quebec selling their pelts.
Each autumn in early October or late September the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon draws roughly 8,000 participants and 60,000 spectators from around the country. Participants dress in the authentic garb of the 18th century French soldiers, settlers, and Native Americans who participated in the original Feast. The original settlement consisting of tents and cottages surrounding the fort is rebuilt and becomes the home of participants for the duration of the two week Feast. The modern celebration also includes games and demonstrations of authentic 18th century life.
As part of the celebration participants re-enact the significant battles from Fort Ouiatenon’s history, including those from 1761 (part of the French and Indian War) and 1763 (part of Pontiac’s Rebellion).
