Since the event’s inception, Barbara Andrews-Christy and her partner Barry Lee have attended the festival as vendors, performers, and educators. Their organization, Spirit Wing, has provided entertainment at the festivals and sells paintings and jewelry they have created.

Andrews-Christy said, “We need to discover how to connect with our heritage and ancestors, wherever they may come from, and learn from them.”

An event organizer and volunteer, Darlene Lascola, discussed unique opportunities at the festival: “Performers will teach visitors dances and artistry, period-dressed celebrities such as Abe and Mary Lincoln will appear, and food and drinks will be available from vendors. It is a lot of fun.”

Swedish dancers, Iroquois Social Dancing, a potter, a flint knapper, and several live bands will be there.

Abe and Mary Lincoln, played by John and Marian King, with event volunteer Darlene Lascola.

On Saturday and Sunday, at 2 pm, the festival will hold charity auctions with artisan wares, gift cards, and baskets to raise money for two different organizations. Last year, the festival donated to the Disabled American Veterans Post 175 and Faith Keepers School in Steamburg.

The Kinzua Heritage Festival begins at 11 a.m. today and closes Sunday at 5 p.m. Its hours today and Saturday are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The address for the festival is 4047 Fox Hill Road in Russell.

Admission is $5 for those aged 11 and up and free to those 10 and under.