Folk festival expands activities

More than 130 artisans and crafts persons from 32 Wyoming communities will participate in the Big Horn Basin Folk Festival, Aug. 6-7, in Hot Springs State Park.

The Festival celebrates the handwork and creativity of Wyoming’s own artists, craftsmen, musicians and storytellers. Events include musicians at the pavilion in the park, a juried art show & sale, artisan and guild demonstrations, plus hands-on activities for kids.

Kiwanis Trading Post has a variety of other arts and crafts for sale as well as the food court.

Four area guilds will demonstrate and provide hands-on opportunities — Worland Wyoming Woodturners, Wild West Rug Hookers, Big Horn Basin Storytellers and Smoking Waters Art Guild.

Other guest demonstrators from out of town include: David Osmundsen, Arrowhead Forge, Buffalo; Von Ringler, Ringler Custom Leather, Powell; Mark Whitlock, Wildlife Creations, Worland; Leanne Linnell, Riverton, horsehair hitching; Jack Meese, Lander, rawhide braiding; Ernie Marsh, Marsh Brothers Silver & Saddle Shop, Lovell, silver work; Joey Puettman, Joey’s Foundation, Sheridan, bamboo fishing rods.

Wyoming musicians will fill the park pavilion both days, with “Miss V, The Gypsy Cowbelle,” Thermopolis (cowboy country folk); Low Water String Band with Dave Munsick, Lander; Lights Along the Shore, Laramie (ethnic/traditional music and dance); Heaven Bound, Basin (Sunday morning gospel); Jeff Troxel, Cody (finger-picking guitar); The Tremors (Cory McDaniel & Dale Bohren), Casper (eclectic mix); Mike Hurwitz & the Aimless Drifters, Alta (original cowboy country); and Connie Dover, Sunlight Basin (traditional Celtic).

Special this year is an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. with Spencer Bohren and the Tremors, Corey McDaniel and Dale Bohren.

Another first is “Hear Me Now,” the state’s first Storytelling Circle. As a special highlight, moderator Spencer Bohren will perform “Down the Dirt Road Blues,” at noon on Sunday.

More than 30 artisans and artists from Thermopolis will participate in the festival.

It is sponsored by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation with major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund and Wyoming Arts Council.

The Storytelling Circle is supported with a grant from the Wyoming Humanities Council with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Big Horn Basin Storytellers Guild.

Check http://www.wyomingfolkfestival.com for updates on participants and activities.