IS THE PAST IN YOUR FUTURE? The Past Passed Here, May 6-9 in Chippewa Falls, features a host of reenactors who provide a flavor of the Wisconsin of centuries ago. (Submitted photo)

The Past Passed Here – Chippewa County Historical Society’s annual family event – gives kiddos (and adults) a peek into what life was like more than 150 years ago in Chippewa Falls. The event, now in its 18th year, will be May 6-9 at a new location in Marshall Park, 101 Bridgewater Ave.

To date, more than 9,000 fourth graders, who are studying Wisconsin history, have spent a day at The Past Passed Here. This year, the event will not include coordinated school-system activities, since schools do not know if field trips will be allowed.

“We strongly encourage fourth graders and children of all ages and their families and friends to attend this year,” said Jim Schuh, longtime coordinator of the event and CCHS board member. “Where else can you experience and interact with history? This is an educational and living history event.”

The area will be transformed into a fur trading post, a logging camp, and pioneer village, with reenactors of French voyageurs with their canoes, fur traders exchanging goods for animal pelts, artisans and craftspeople plying their trades, a mobile logging museum, and pioneer families building their lives.

Thirty knowledgeable reenactors will demonstrate canoe camps, camp cooking, the making of fishhooks and the carving of wooden spoons, animal tracking and trapping, archery and muzzle-loading guns, and kids’ games like the ever-popular Cat and Mouse. Ojibwe Native Americans will share their artwork and storytelling as well as sell delicious frybread. Traders row will feature items for sale, such as handmade clothing, beadwork, and jewelry. 

Tilden Lions Club volunteers will staff the concession stand which will sell the ever-popular voyageur stew, buffalo burgers, brats, and hotdogs. Olson’s Ice Cream, bottled Chippewa Spring water, root beer, and root beer floats also will be available.

The Past Passed Here, presented by the Chippewa County Historical Society • Thursday, May 6, through Sunday, May 9  •  3-6pm Thursday-Friday, May 6-7 • 9am-6pm Saturday, May 8 • 10am-3pm Sunday May 9 • Marshall Park, 101 Bridgewater Ave., next to the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Swimming Pool in Chippewa Falls  • $5 per person or $15 per family, children age 5 and younger free • (715) 726-2376 • www.thepastpassedhere.org  • Find it on Facebook