POWAY -- Gunslingers, mountain men, fur traders and Civil War soldiers were just a few of the historical figures roaming the grounds Saturday in Old Poway Park.

The Poway Rendezvous is a "living history" fair designed to show people the cultural diversity of the valley during the 19th century.

The free event, which began Friday, is also open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the park, at 14134 Midland Road in Poway.

At the fair, people could take a ride on the Midland Railroad, watch an attempted robbery go astray or listen to the Civil War battle sounds of a cannon and guns being fired.

Although the event was rained out last year, the occasional shower Saturday didn't stop attendees from walking from tent to tent to chat with people in period attire.

In fact, Charles Crawford of Rancho Penasquitos said the rain "certainly makes it more convincing."

His wife, Barbara, said she was impressed by how dedicated the volunteers were to their roles.

"When do you get to see this kind of devotion to this level of authenticity?" she said.

Poway resident Christina Herrera said she and her family brought her half brother Gabe to the event. On his birthday, the 5-year-old appeared amazed as he looked at a soldier's tent and listened to him describe his weapon.

Herrera said the event was good for Gabe because he doesn't understand "what was in the past."

Dressed as a fur trader, Jim Mildren of Banning said he and his wife, Brenda, volunteer for living history events so people can better understand the time period.

Jim Mildren cooked a pot of beef ribs with cabbage over an open fire while his wife used a period coffee grinder to try to make enough for a large kettle of coffee.

He said he has taken part in living history events for more than 40 years. They were dressed like fur traders during the Rendezvous Period, which ended around 1840. He said a "rendezvous" was an event was similar to an American swap meet, where people could purchase or sell things such as guns, knives and clothing.

Bill Schurmann, a member of the Frontier Army of the West, wore the navy blue uniform of the 1st Company, 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment. He said the regiment was involved in battles during the Mexican-American War, the Civil War and the Indian Wars.

Schurmann said he enjoys re-enacting history, because he doesn't believe that many people understand it.

"We're out to educate the public," he said, adding "we just want to keep history alive."

For more information on Poway Rendezvous, go to www.ci.poway.ca.us/oldpoway/events.html