The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Staebler Farm County Park in Superior Township. Visitors can watch beekeeping and natural-dye demonstrations, with live music and an online auction also planned.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Michigan Folk School will welcome visitors to Staebler Farm County Park, at 7734 Plymouth Road in Superior Township. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event gives people curious about the school a chance to see its classes in action before signing up. Visitors can watch demonstrations and talk with instructors. Returning students will also share their experiences with prospective classmates.
Michigan Folk School teaches traditional crafts and practical skills tied to nature and homesteading. At the festival, visitors can see instructors at work and learn how they approach those crafts.
In its festival preview, MLive described the event as free and family-friendly. Demonstrations and activities are planned throughout the five-hour program.
Demonstrations will include blacksmithing and spoon carving. Beekeeping and natural dyeing are also on the schedule, along with other traditional practices. The nonprofit's classes cover bushcraft and cooking, as well as leatherworking and stained glass. Basketry is another subject offered.
Program coordinator Wade Buck organized the festival with administrative assistant Amy Coomer. Buck said returning students often tell newcomers what they learned. That gives people considering a class a chance to hear directly from participants.
Families and children are welcome. Plans include face painting and live music. Dixboro Dairy is expected to serve food and ice cream, while Taco El Panda is also scheduled to set up at the festival.
For the first time, the school's silent auction will run online. Instructors and staff have donated handmade items. Bidding opens Oct. 10 and closes at the end of the festival on Oct. 17. Proceeds will support Michigan Folk School, and people unable to attend in person can bid remotely.
The festival offers a low-commitment way to meet instructors and find out about classes. Another Michigan event inviting public participation is the school-focused Walk and Roll event.
The Michigan Folk School expects to release its latest class schedule by the end of the week, just ahead of the festival. Buck said class spots fill quickly.
