FEAST OF THE STRAWBERRY MOON

 According to the “Farmers' Almanac,” full-moon names date back to American Indian tribes who kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each full moon.

 "French" artillery unit fires their canon at the British troops during a Revolutionary War re-enactment at the Feast of the Strawberry Moon on Harbor Island in 2011.

The Algonquin tribe christened June’s full moon the Strawberry Moon in recognition of this month’s short strawberry season.
I look forward to this event every year, I live in one of the most historically significant areas in all of Michigan. And beginning some 300 years ago near the mouth of the Grand River, its heritage is firmly rooted in the cultures of Native Americans, fur trappers, and French voyagers of the late 18th century.
I don't know about you but I for one could not live a life like these folks did but it sure intrigues me and I love to see how they cooked all of their meals over birch wood fires in cast iron pots. We watched one lady making cakes with wheat flour, filled with cranberries, honey and other natural ingredients probably grown by her (well maybe not today) but back in the 1700's that would have been the only way to get those items. Everyone was dressed in period clothing, which was also fascinating due to the fact that their dresses had to weight about 10 # and that is just the outer garment they had on. The men wore wool pants, nickers and coats, carried several different kinds of weapons and all had possible bags slung over a shoulder or around their waists, that contain flints, small pieces of tinder and other items that may mean life and death back that time period.
There were reenactments of Military Battles with cannons going off and black powder guns being fired, candle making, sheep herding, black smiths, and wool spinning going on in various tents made of muslin canvas.
The encampment has all the appearance of what it must have really been like when fur traders, Indian's and families gathered on the banks of the Grand. Its a great way to spend the day going back in time, even if just for a few hours and to let your mind wonder how life must have been so many years ago.  Not for the weak or faint of heart for sure.