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Wild Wind festival to return for 43rd year

Pictured are cups made by potter Pam Gifford, who will be at the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival this weekend.

Artisans are once again set to descend upon the Warren County Fairgrounds for the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival this Saturday and Sunday.

Now in its 43rd year, the event boasts 150 juried artisans, musical entertainment and a variety of other performances and exhibits.

“Much like the Warren County Fair, it has its following with the local community and beyond,” organizer Melissa White said. “This event’s highlight is its juried artisans -150 of them – and the variety of talents they share. Beyond this, we also strive to ensure there are interests for the whole family, with friends and families being our target audience.”

White highlighted just a handful of the artisans who will be in attendance.

Pam Gifford is a potter hailing from Sherman, New York who started honing her craft in college.

Pictured is Aapiece created by chainsaw carver Brian Fox, who will be at the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival this weekend.

“She finds inspiration in what greets her each day right outside her door,” White said. “She has a passion for ‘flowers and nature’ taking what she observes and creating unique pottery pieces, from coffee mugs to vases.”

Sawmiller and chainsaw carver Brian Fox will attend. He utilizes white pine to create both carvings and custom signs and benches.

“Fox studied with other carvers to perfect his skills,” white said. “Both his carvings and his talents with a chainsaw will be on display throughout the weekend.”

A newcomer to the festival, furniture maker Jason Farley will also be on-hand. Farley is from Prattsburgh, New York and crafts Adirondack chairs, benches, tables and other furniture items.

Entertainment will be featured, including Temple Grey Saturday night. Sunday, Elvis impersonator Caesare, The Dream King will perform throughout the day in his festival debut. Alexander the Magician will perform throughout the weekend.

Pictured are a pair of Adirondack chairs created by furniture maker Jason Farley, who will be at the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival this weekend.

A number of exhibits will be featured. The Tamarack Wildlife Center will feature birds of prey and accompanying lectures. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs Mobile Vet Center will be on-site Sunday, and Paws Along the River Humane Society will hold a meet-and-greet with some of the shelter animals along with informational items.

The 4-H oxen teams will wander the grounds ready to answer any questions. A traveling petting zoo will be featured, as well as face-painting, balloon art and other children’s activities.

Refreshments and a farmers’ market will also be available.

“Wild Wind’s roots are grounded in friendship, with its original promoters working to make the dream of offering a space for artisans to share their handmade work a reality over coffee and nights together at the dinner table,” White said. “From there, it grew – not only through the hard work and dedication of the promoters but also their families. This event is a reflection of our collective efforts, of coming together every year to offer something truly special to those who make their way through the fairground gates.”

Starting at $3.50/week.

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