The festival begins with a musket volley by the Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders, who hold their annual Rendezvous on the lower terrace. Visitors are welcomed to the day's activities by the Commanding General of Fort Leonard Wood and other dignitaries. Activities include non-stop music and dance at the main pavilion; rides and games for children; quilt show; more than 50 food and craft vendors; the mountain man camp; the YMCA Duck Race on Roubidoux Creek; and displays of army engineering machinery and equipment. Held at the Waynesville City Park, along the Roubidoux Creek.

Rent vacation houseboats that sleep six, 10 or 12. Each houseboat is includes a barbecue grill, fully equipped galley, air conditioning, a generator, and a slide. You furnish food, beverages, bath towels and gasoline. Go wherever you like on the lake, as long as you are tied up by dusk. You may tow your own fishing boat or personal water craft. Located on Table Rock Lake, at the Port of Kimberling.