Festival brings more than 130 artists to HSSP

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 arts and crafts for sale as well as the food court. This year's food offerings include Hot Springs Senior Citizen Center cinnamon rolls.

A major highlight this year is "Hear Me Now," Wyoming's first Storytelling Circle. As a special highlight, moderator Spencer Bohren will perform "Down the Dirt Road Blues," at noon on Sunday. His presentation is a favorite at national storytelling festivals.

Also new this year are area organizations whose members will demonstrate and provide hands-on opportunities - Worland Wyoming Woodturners, Wild West Rug Hookers, Smoking Waters Art Guild and Red Dirt Master Gardeners. Big Horn Basin Storytellers is participating in the Storytelling Circle.

Other guest demonstrators from out of town include: David Osmundsen, Arrowhead Forge, Buffalo; Von Ringler, Ringler Custom Leather, Powell; Jack Meese, Lander, rawhide braiding; Ernie Marsh, Marsh Brothers Silver & Saddle Shop, Lovell, silver work; Joey Puettman, Joey's Foundation, Sheridan, bamboo fishing rod construction.

Wyoming musicians will fill the park pavilion stage both days, with "Miss V, The Gypsy Cowbelle," Thermopolis (cowboy country folk); Low Water String Band (old-time string band/bluegrass), 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). An open acoustic music jam will be held on Sunday, sponsored by local jammers.

Spencer Bohren and the Tremors, Cory McDaniel and Dale Bohren, will headline an evening performance on the pavilion stage Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

The festival includes hands-on activities, some for adults but many for kids. Smoking Waters Art Guild is sponsoring a new 12-foot-long Thermopolis mural that can be wiped down and reused.

The festival 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 by a grant from the Wyoming Humanities Council.

A full schedule, plus updates on participants and activities is at http://www.wyomingfolkfestival.com.