The FOURTH annual Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Celebration was held at the Frenchtown site on June 20, 2015.
The event began at 3:00 p.m. with an introduction of St. Jean-Baptiste Day, Frenchtown and the cabin tour. At 3:30 p.m., guests chose between a cabin tour and on-site programs such as shake splitting, weaving demonstrations and songs of the fur trade. We were honored to welcome master weaver and Walla Walla tribal elder Joey Lavadour to demonstrate his ancient art. Lavadour has worked with wool and hemp twine from the Pendleton Woolen Mills to produce stunning traditional and modern basket designs.
At 5:00 p.m., guests took tours of the Frenchtown Historic Site, including tours of the cemetery and the Prince’s cabin. A community meal was served at 5:30 p.m., provided by FHF. The event concluded with closing remarks by board president Rich Monacelli presenting our endowment campaign and this year’s Frenchtown Rendezvous. Lastly, guests were invited to dance with members of the Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music starting at 7:00 p.m. with an introduction to contra dancing, followed by a contra dance from 7:30 to 10:00.