The "Come One, Come All" spirit is alive and well for the 33rd annual Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Pittsfield.
The show's reputation as the best and largest festival in northwest Pennsylvania is well earned; the 33 years of bringing quality crafters, wonderful live musical entertainment, a wide variety of ethnic foods, activities that kids enjoy and demonstrators who offer to teach those who might want to learn a new skill, has been a long and enjoyable journey for the Wild Wind Festival's organizers.
The show features "Made in America" goods and what is more American than the down home feel of the quaint county fairgrounds as the venue? Animal barns will host 75 juried craftsmen and another 75 select exhibitors will spill out over the beautiful grassy fields. Always wanting to keep the show fresh, especially for those who faithfully attend each year, many new exhibitors have been added and will be sure to impress festival goers with their creative talents. An eclectic mix of established and emerging artists are on the roster.
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Creations by Mudslide Pottery
A new and exciting entertainer and demonstrator this year is Rich Schuler, director of the group "Jamestown Thunder Drumming." He will present two free hand drumming circle/workshops (no experience necessary) each day at 1 p.m. for children (and parents if they wish to join in), and at 3 p.m. for all age groups. These workshops are high energy and hands on from the start. He begins with basics, teaches a few African rhythms and facilitates a drum circle where everyone will have plenty of opportunity to use their new found percussion abilities to take part in this ancient ritual.
The Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation organization will be returning to give lectures throughout both days and will bring with them some of the fortunate birds and other wild creatures that have been successfully rescued.
A paring of great food and music is a match made in heaven. That is why the musical entertainment is placed near the picnic area where a large selection of vendors will be sure to please those with an appetite and appreciation for a wide variety of delectable foods. On Saturday, returning by popular demand, will be Matt Hunt and his trio, "The Turnstiles"of Cincinnati, Ohio and on Sunday, Sue Tillotson and her group, the "Bonnie Loch Fiddlers" will entertain with music that will transport you to the Highlands of Scotland.
As has been the custom, if you attend the show on Saturday, you may return on Sunday free of charge, simply by signing the second day pass book. The Wild Wind Festival environment allows you to unplug and recharge, so why not make it a weekend outing for the entire family to enjoy together? The event is held rain or shine. For further information, email wildwindcraftshow@yahoo.com, visit our website, www.wildwindfestival.com or call 723-0707 or 688-1516 .