Creating ‘together’
46th annual Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival is this weekend
Some of the staff of the Wild Wind Festival family are seen here.
Part of the family behind the festival includes Bryan White, Ely White, Melissa White, Steve Jilk, and Carol Jilk. Known for its artisans and their excellence in craftsmanship, the festival has attracted upwards of 7,000 people annually.
Clarion woodcarver Brian Fox showcases his craft at the Wild Wind Festival. Having attended five years at the event, Fox is in his seventh year going pro and clocks 15,000 miles and 55 shows annually across the continent.
Some of the staff of the Wild Wind Festival family are seen here.
Part of the family behind the festival includes Bryan White, Ely White, Melissa White, Steve Jilk, and Carol Jilk. Known for its artisans and their excellence in craftsmanship, the festival has attracted upwards of 7,000 people annually.
Clarion woodcarver Brian Fox showcases his craft at the Wild Wind Festival. Having attended five years at the event, Fox is in his seventh year going pro and clocks 15,000 miles and 55 shows annually across the continent.
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The 46th annual Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival will be on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the Warren County Fairgrounds, 371 Barton Run Road, Pittsfield.
Adults are $10, seniors $8, children 12 and under are free, veterans are free. Sunday is free of charge with a paid Saturday entry.
For nearly five decades, the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival has become a cherished tradition held each year, on the weekend after Labor Day. It continues to draw art lovers, families,and friends from near and far for a memorable celebration of creativity and community. Visitors are welcomed by the familiar sights, sounds, and aromas of early fall along with warm greetings of artists reconnecting with loyal customers. Featuring more than 150 skilled artisans, the handcrafted heritage event offers a wide variety of unique and high quality creations. The Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival was featured on episode 51 of the PA250 podcast.
In its 46th year, artisans, vendors and shoppers from Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio gather for the weekend at this family friendly festival. Melissa White has been involved with the festival since she was 10 years old. Roles over the years have evolved to where she is now the director, filling in her mother's shoes.
Outgrowing the sheep field from its early days to the fairgrounds, White's mother Carol Jilk began the festival in 1980. A painter herself, Jilk was also an exhibitor and set out for the event to always be vibrant and welcoming as well as relatable, as an artistic celebration focused around community connection.
White, who now lives in Vermont, said each September is like a family reunion for her and with both blood relatives as well as the Warren County community as a whole. During the nation's bicentennial year, it brought to light the history of craftsmanship and the importance of sharing the past with the present. That continues as we celebrate the semi-quincentennial with White placing emphasis on the fact that the returning vendors are the backbone of the event with their extraordinary works.
The biggest reason for the festival is for connection with the local artisans, vendors and organizations. Glad to have support from local families each year, White said the relationships formed among the staff and artisans has been another factor in what makes it such a successful event.
Beyond the artistry, the event offers a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment. Children and families can enjoy a traveling petting zoo, balloon art, hula hoop fun, and other interactive activities. The Tamarack Wildlife Center returns with its popular birds of prey exhibit, showing both Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along with educational presentations.
Alexander the Magician brings a blend of humor with his magic and surprises. He will be available both Saturday and Sunday with shows from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. with a lesson for anyone to enjoy after each show.
Weather permitting, Double C Ranch Carriage Services will offer scenic horse-drawn rides around the fairgrounds.
An addition to this year’s vendors is Parker Roberts, who will be playing and selling the steel ton drums that he makes himself. As always, the mobile veteran center from Erie will be available on Sunday along with other local resource booths.
After 16 dogs were adopted at the Warren County Fair a few weeks ago, The PAWS Humane Society will once again be onsite at the festival with their furry friends.
Some new vendors to look for this year include Bryanna Bisbee of the Boujee Blind Date Boutique who will be stocked with her Blind Dates with a Book packages. Colleen Reyes will have ethically sourced framed butterflies.
Live chainsaw carving demonstrations will also be featured, with talented artists Lisa Barr of Barrnone Carvings & Creations and Brian Fox of Fox Sawmill and Custom Design transforming raw wood into impressive works of art. Visitors are encouraged to watch these creations come to life.
Rich Selfridge of Selfridge Studios will return with live glass blowing demonstrations and a collection of his handcrafted glass artwork. Known for his beautiful functional and sculptural glass pieces, Rich brings years of experience and artistry to the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to watch the fascinating process of glass blowing while exploring his one-of-a-kind creations.
Festivalgoers can take a break in the shaded picnic area or enjoy a wide variety of food options, including BBQ, gyros, crab cakes, pierogies, hand-cut fries, French artichokes, homemade pie, old fashioned root beer, and more. Live music will provide the perfect backdrop, with the Kokomo Time Band performing on Saturday and Old Dawg Bluegrass taking the stage on Sunday.
White is thankful for all of the help that is received before, during and after the event. A special thank you goes to the staff of the Warren County fairgrounds, who were quite busy cleaning up after the fair in preparation for this festival.
Perhaps the best part of the whole event as White put it, is that "It brings us all together."
For more detailed information, please visit www.wildwindfestival.com, email info@wildwindfestival.com, or call 802-689-0609.