Hayes Center -- Nebraska's Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous 2008 will be Sept. 26-28 near the actual site of the historic campground of Buffalo Bill Cody, General George Custer, General Phil Sheridan and the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia.

The event, now in its ninth year, was initiated to commemorate the famous buffalo hunt which was held for the son of Russian Czar Alexander II when he visited Nebraska in 1872.

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The Rendezvous, sponsored by the Hayes Center Lions Club, is held at Camp Hayes Lake just 11 miles northeast of Hayes Center. Parking is provided and a shuttle runs from the parking lot to the rendezvous site.

A weekend full of fun and exciting activities is planned beginning on Friday with Student Day for fourth through sixth grade students from area schools.

A highlight of the weekend is the featured storytellers. Jahnis J. Abelite of Arlington, Wash., will be on hand to portray the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia.

Steve Alexander of Monroe, Mich., will portray Gen. George Custer, Kirk Shapland of Dighton, Kan., will entertain as Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wayne Mintling of Culbertson will depict Gen. Phil Sheridan.

Muzzle loader enthusiasts will enjoy the various black powder shoots and 'hawk and knife throws which take place throughout the weekend.

The Raven Dancers from Franktown, Colo., will entertain with Native American dance and costume on Saturday afternoon.

An authentic Mountain Man wedding will be held on Saturday evening and the public is welcome to attend.

The Gospel Lights, a mixed quartet from North Platte, will be the featured entertainment on Sunday afternoon.

Other activities held throughout the weekend will be the frontier ladies tea on Saturday afternoon, a community church service on Sunday morning, trail ride, children's games, costume contest, demonstrations of frontier era crafts, and tours to the original monument site.

Concessions are available on Saturday and Sunday. Featured will be buffalo burgers, campfire stew and homemade pie.

The Lions Club is sponsoring two drawings to raise the funds for the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous.

The club is offering chances on a Deluxe engraved Sharps 45-70 rifle. Tickets are $5 each or six tickets for $25. The club is also selling chances on a beautiful hand made quilt.

Names of the lucky winners will be drawn on Sunday afternoon and tickets will be available during the Rendezvous weekend. You need not be present to win.

Young and old alike are invited to enjoy the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous for a genuine prairie experience. Step back in time for a weekend of family-oriented entertainment and feel the spirit of the old west come alive. There is no charge for admission however donations to the Lions Club are accepted.

For more information or a schedule of events, contact Doris Vlasin at (308) 286-3463 or Jan Singleton at (308) 286-3676 or go to the event Web site: www.grand dukealexis.com.