Randy Hittle shot his first historic gun 12 years ago.

Now, he has a whole group to shoot with him.

“You might say my hobby outgrew me,” said Hittle, president of the First Santa Fe Trail Plainsmen.

This weekend, Hittle and his Plainsmen group will gather for the third annual Bald Eagle Rendezvous in Lecompton, a historical bash dedicated to the finer points of side-arm wielding, knife throwing and other Wild West arts and crafts.

Plus, Hittle said, many of the smiths and craftsmen at the weekendlong show will be hawking old-fashioned goods – likely trading for cash instead of, say, pelts.

Blacksmiths will pound hammers. Flintknappers will, uh, knap stones.

“One of our re-enactors, he makes some of the most beautiful knives you’ve ever seen,” he said.

Yes, and aside from knife-making and other crafts, re-enactors will take part in period shows portraying the life of historic Lecompton, even before the town had its name.

Before Lecompton was Lecompton, it was known as Bald Eagle Landing, Hittle said – a little trading post for folks traveling to and from western mountains. A ferry shuttled people across the Kaw River from that point.

Hence, the Rendezvous name.

The Lecompton Historical Society and the Constitution Hall State Historic Site also will sponsor the event.

“We should really have something for everybody,” Hittle said.

The events last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Bald Eagle River View Park on East Second Street. On Sunday, events will start at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. Events all three days are free to the public.