For the Kids
Big Horn Basin Folk Festival is family-friendly. Many demonstrators have hands-on activities especially for kids. Others are skilled at show-and-tell with even small children.
Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation staff picked the things they think the kids should have a chance to see and do during all the activities in Hot Springs State Park Aug. 6-7.
Seven Things for Kids (and Families) to See …
1) Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department demonstration (Pageant Days Activity): – near Plaza Inn, Hot Springs State Park. Aug. 6, 11:30 a.m.-noon
2) David Osmundsen, Arrowhead Forge, Buffalo, demonstrates at parks throughout the state, showing families the steps he takes to create work on his metal forge. Fascinating for all ages. On the Green. Aug. 6-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
3) Joey Puettman, Joey’s Foundation, Sheridan. Joey works with kids, teaching them to construct their own bamboo fishing pole. His demonstration may make you want to learn to fly fish! Aug. 6 – 9:00-5:00 p.m. Activity Circle.
4) Worland Wyoming Woodturners will be making yo-yos from Wyoming Whiskey barrel staves as well as making spinning tops. Lots to see and do in their tent! Aug. 6-7, 9:00-5:00 p.m. Worland Wyoming Woodturners Tent.
5) Watch local rancher John Herrin in a skilled roping demonstration. You might get to try it yourself! Aug. 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Activity Circle.
6) Let Russ & Ray Ferree show how to turn a buffalo horn into a container such as mountain men used to carry their gunpowder. Aug. 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Activity Circle.
7) How do taxidermists make an animal look life-like? Mark Whitlock works with baby animals as well as large game animals, and he likes to show kids some of his secrets. Aug. 6, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Activity Circle.
8) Watch as Linda Kernstock of SageRidge Mill & Critters and her friends take raw animal fiber and turn it into felt to make garments and hats. Juried Art Show & Sale.
One Thing to Hear…
No one is too young to enjoy a good story. Our experienced storytellers are (or have been) entertainers or professional educators in schools and libraries. Make time to listen some time during the day — plus it’s a good place to rest a bit. Aug. 6, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Aug. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Storytelling Tent.
And Seven Things for Kids (and Families) to Do
1) Von Ringler, Ringler Custom Leather, Powell, will do leather work demonstrations as well as a hands-on activity for kids, Aug. 6-7, 9:00-5:00 p.m. Activity Circle.
2) Even young ones can color right alongside adults and seniors in this hands-on activity, the Color Thermopolis Mural. The Darlington family is there to give you some ideas and keep the supplies flowing. Sat. & Sun., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. SWAG Guild Tent.
3) Learn how to paint an owl with Thermopolis artist Cindy Clancy. Kids/family activity, Aug. 6, 12 noon-3 p.m. SWAG Guild Tent.
4) Basic rug hooking is easy for kids to learn, and the rug hookers have tools and supplies to try it. Aug. 6, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Wild West Rug Hooking Tent.
5) Fun workshop just for kids. “Miss V” shows how to fashion music makers using simple items around the house. Aug. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Aug. 7, 2:45-3:15 p.m. Activity Circle.
6) Bring your Middle and High School students to learn a Bulgarian folk dance! Adults welcome also! Aug. 7, 2:00-2:45 p.m. Pavilion Stage.
7) Get down & dirty! Series of family-friendly hands-on activities conducted by Red Dirt Master Gardeners. Includes paper towel gardening & more! Aug. 7, 2:00-5:00 p.m. SWAG Guild Tent.
