COME ONE, COME ALL! The 14th Folk Arts Festival returns on Feb. 24 with many first-time and returning favorites. (Photo via Facebook)

The Chippewa Valley Museum is bringin’ back past favorites and unveiling new experiences for the 14th Folk Arts Festival, slated for Saturday, Feb. 24, from noon-5pm. The family-friendly event celebrates folk culture through a wide variety of visual art, performances and vintage skills, and interactive activities.

If the Wisconsin weather remains kind, a first-time live presentation by blacksmith Charles Lininger will occur, using his mobile forge. Attendees can also learn about beekeeping and the art of making honey and candles from Drew Kaiser of Kaiserson Bee Company. Deb Brown with invite curious eyes to explore the art of puppetry while Mickey Mueller will discuss the techniques of pyrography (wood burning), and beadworker and jewelry maker Kindra Lockman will also demonstrate her techniques live.

Bethany Shuda's folk harps (via Facebook).

For the kids, the Eau Claire K Kids Club will be making fleece pillows which will be donated to community youth in need, and an instrument petting zoo will be featured at the event. Local artist Patricia Hawkenson will display her new Junior Edition of Color the Chippewa Valley, a coloring book featuring all local things.

Festival favorites Chippewa Valley Woodturners Guild and the West Wisconsin Wood Carving Guild, will also return. Plus, take the opportunity to get in on traditional toboggan-making with Steve Vogelsang, embroidery and clothing repair with Jenna Vande Zande, and Fiber Friends with wool spinning, weaving, and more.

Music from the Ukulele Club of Eau Claire will contribute to the event’s ambiance, and Garden Party will perform. Bethany Shuda will share folk harps and Earl Holzman will be presenting on building nyckelharpas with contemporary designs, for you musically inclined and curious folks.

Of course, vendors, booths, and food will also be up for grabs and perusing, including Jay Ray’s with a festival menu of soup and sandwiches.

Pre-registration is encouraged online, and walk-ins are welcome. All presentations and visiting artist booths are included in the price of admission: free for CVM members, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students and youths under 17.

Steve Vogelsang, tobboggan maker. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

Visit the Chippewa Valley Museum’s website to see the event schedule and for more information.