Aug. 13, 2008

Guests of all ages are invited to become part of the westward expansion at the 4th annual "Frontier Fest" at Walker Tavern Historic Site on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. until 4pm. Featuring pioneer music, food, crafts and games - just the way it was done some 150 years ago - Frontier Fest offers bargain admission of $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.

Craftspeople will be on hand to demonstrate the pioneer way. Spinners will turn wool into thread, potters will create jars from clay, and woodworkers will fashion practical implements and works of art. Artisans will demonstrate "lost arts" including Ukrainian egg painting, paper-cutting and the tanning of hides. Frontier Fest offers an opportunity to purchase - directly from the craftsperson - hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind articles such as stained glass, weaving and jewelry. Silhouette artist Joyce Redmen will also be doing portraits on site.

Musicians will play music popular in pioneer times including bluegrass, folk, country, blues, gospel and traditional songs. At 1 p.m. there will be a free workshop on old-time music led by Eddie Josephs. Eddie plays banj-guitar, washboard, and harmonica among other traditional instruments. Bring your own fiddles, guitars, dulcimers and other early instruments and join Eddie or get your own jam session going on the lawn throughout the day.

"The children's activities area will have old-time games and hands-on activities, including 'make and take crafts' like candle dipping, corn-husk dolls, gourd painting and tin punching for an additional charge," said Cheryl Natzmer Valentine, Walker Tavern site historian. "Once the games begin, guests can enjoy hoop races, tug-of-war and watermelon seed-spitting contests."

At 11 a.m. there will be a frontier-style auction to raise money for the Hewitt House renovation. Auctioneer George Gordon will sell items donated to the auction, from trinkets to treasures, and all proceeds will benefit the new Visitors Center.

Natzmer Valentine said that the Biscuit Babes of Adrian will also be on hand, selling home-style cooking from family recipes that include biscuits and gravy and fried chicken gizzards. "People of all ages are invited to take part in the full day of festivities, eat some delicious food and learn about pioneer life in early Michigan."

Walker Tavern historic site is located next to the Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills. Situated at the Cambridge Junction crossroads of M-50 and the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Walker Tavern is just 35 miles west of Ann Arbor. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday through Aug. 31. The Farmer's Market on Sunday's 10am until 2pm will continue until the end of September. Fall tours are by appointment only. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/walkertavern.

Walker Tavern is one of 11 museums and historic sites that make up the Michigan Historical Museum System, a division of the Michigan Historical Center. The Michigan Historical Center is an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).