PELKIE - The Upper Peninsula Muzzle Loaders Association is preparing to host the annual Muzzle Loaders Rendezvous at the Ottawa Sportsman's Club today through Sunday.

The rendezvous, which is free to watch and open to the public, will feature a variety of events by members of the UPMLA and the sportsman's club, ranging from shooting competitions to knife throwing, with active participants dressed in pre-1840s garb. The family-friendly event also features children's games and a potluck.

"It's a great opportunity to enjoy shooting and camaraderie," said UPMLA and OSC member and former UPMLA president Jon Henkel, who is also one of many volunteers that helps to make the event a success. "It's really starting to catch on with families as well, and it's great for kids and grandkids."

Most events during the five-day rendezvous will take place Thursday through Saturday, with registration for events taking place throughout.

Thursday will feature long-bow archery shooting starting at noon, and long distance shooting, where participants will compete to shoot at a metal gong starting at 50 yards down range, and moving 25 yards after each round until only one shooter remains.

Friday will feature smooth-bore shooting events, along with tomahawk and knife throwing at 1 p.m. At 3 p.m., women can participate in a frying pan toss and men in a hammer toss, with kids games also taking place.

Saturday will feature shooting events all day with a potluck and awards presentation in the evening.

The UPMLA was created in 1975 to preserve the skills of early settlers and pioneers and their use of muzzle-loading firearms. The rendezvous started that year and has turned into an annual event. While it originally ran in several U.P. locations, the event has remained at the OSC since the early 2000s.

"It's a great opportunity to preserve the heritage of black powder shooting," Henkel said.