CATALDO — With normalcy seemingly on the horizon it means the welcome return of events to the Silver Valley.

Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park is excited to announce that they are beginning the planning process and opening registration for their 40th Annual Historic Skills Fair and Mountain Man Encampment.

Park Director Kathleen Durfee is planning the July event as if it’s going to happen, but is being conscious that COVID-19 may force some changes, but that would still be a better alternative than having to cancel it again.

“We are planning this event as other normal years, hoping that COVID allows it to happen,” Durfee said. “We look forward to seeing old friends, as well as making new ones and encourage everyone to attend both days if possible.”

The historic Cataldo Mission provides a perfect locale for this type of event — which in the past has featured things like the Frontier Regulars reenacting the soldiers at Fort Sherman, yarn spinners, knitters and lace tatters, Dutch oven cooking, flint knapping, quilting, basket making, blacksmithing, various kids activities for the time period, crafts and music.

“We try to adhere to the theme of the mission site and its historic day, the mid-1800s to early 1900s, therefore items manufactured, and skills of that era are encouraged to be demonstrated and sold,” Durfee said. “Participants are encouraged to dress in period clothing as park visitors look forward to, and love seeing demonstrators and vendors in period costumes.“

The weekend-long event is set up in a way that makes the visitors feel like they have walked directly into a history book, but Durfee also understands that certain vendors may have special needs to keep their demonstration areas functioning, in saying that Durfee asks that any potential vendor who need to set up in certain areas due to wind direction, shade, water and electrical hookups, please let her know ahead of time.

The Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park’s 40th Annual Historic Skills Fair and Mountain Man Encampment is set for July 10-11.

If you have any questions or would like to request a registration application, call the park at 208-682-3814 or send them an email at old@idpr.idaho.gov.

Registration is due by April 30.