Aug. 22, 2009

Watch as artisans spin, weave, carve and sculpt, practicing "lost arts" to create objects that are both useful and beautiful. Listen to the sounds of hammered dulcimers, fiddles, guitars and other stringed instruments. Participate in a tug-of-war or try tin punching. Sample old-style home cooking and shop the museum store or the old-time craft stalls for unique gifts. It's all part of the family-friendly fun - with music, arts, games, food and hands-on activities - at Walker Tavern Historic Site's fifth annual Frontier Fest on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

People of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities and learn about pioneer life in early Michigan. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under 5.

The festival will feature performances by Village Square Acoustics, a band that plays bluegrass, old country and gospel music; Jammin' Grammas, an all-female group that includes dulcimers and a fiddle; and The Millers, an old-time string band. Musicians who play folk, country, blues, gospel and other old-time music are invited to bring their traditional instruments and get together with other musicians for jam sessions throughout the day.

The children's area will include old-fashioned games and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Competitive games were very popular among both Native American and pioneer children, teaching them life skills. Visitors to Frontier Fest will have a chance to try some of these games of skill, including hoop races, tug-of-war and relay races. "Make and take" craft activities such as candle dipping, making cornhusk dolls and dream-catchers, and tin punching will be available at an additional charge.

The Biscuit Babes of Adrian will be selling home-style lunches made from family recipes. Costumed interpreters will give free tours of Walker Tavern.

Walker Tavern closes for the season after Sunday, Sept. 6. Regular hours until then are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Farmer's Market is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of September. Fall tours are by appointment only.

Walker Tavern is located in Brooklyn, next to the Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills region. Situated at the historic crossroads of M-50 and the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Walker Tavern is just 35 miles west of Ann Arbor.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries jointly administer Walker Tavern. Walker Tavern Historic Site is part of the Michigan Historical Museum System and is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern or call (517) 467-4401, TDD (517) 373-1592.

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