A new generation of the Irvin family enjoyed a tradition that has spanned more than four decades at Old Greenville, the Black Powder Rendezvous.
TJ Irvin has been coming to the Black Powder Rendezvous for as long as he can remember. He and his wife Morgen attended the two-day event Saturday with their young children, Tommy and Ellie.
The children enjoyed the afternoon, which included historical displays, crafts and activities for families. The event is the longest consecutive rendezvous in the state, organizers have shared previously. It is a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Crowley’s Ridge Black Powder Club.
For Irvin, the annual event has changed some. He reminisced on the dramatic amount of change the years have brought upon the event in recent years. Irvin mentioned how there would be hundreds of people walking around and looking at all the homemade crafts presented by the vendors.
Years ago, vendors would be lined up and full that there would only be little walkways in between each row, he said. In recent years, homemade crafts are more scarce and vendors provide a lot of pre-made crafts, which results in many of the tents selling the same things, he shared.
“It takes out the personal touch between vendor and craft,” Irvin said. “It used to be so organic and wholesome, but now it’s hard to identify that.”
Saturday’s activities were dampened by a bout of rain, which delayed events and some attendance.
Despite the changes, the Irvin family was pleased by the event and hopes for a great turnout next year.