Featuring family friendly activities galore

The 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. Near the Plaza Inn. Aug. 6, 11:30 a.m.-noon

2) David Osmundsen, Arrowhead Forge, showing families the steps he takes to create work on his metal forge. On the Green. Aug. 6-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

3) Joey Puettman, Joey’s Foundation, will be working with kids, teaching them to construct their own bamboo fishing pole. Aug. 6 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activity Circle.

4) Worland Wyoming Woodturners will be making yo-yos from Wyoming Whiskey barrel staves as well as making spinning tops. Aug. 6-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Worland Wyoming Woodturners Tent.

5) Watch local rancher John Herrin in a skilled roping demonstration. Aug. 6, 1-2 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, 1-2 p.m. Activity Circle.

7) Mark Whitlock, taxidermist, works with baby animals as well as large game animals, and he likes to show kids some of his secrets. Aug. 6, 1-5 p.m. Activity Circle.

8) 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.

 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, 9-5 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 a.m.-5 p.m. SWAG Guild Tent.

3) Learn how to paint an owl with Thermopolis artist Cindy Clancy. Kids/family activity, Aug. 6, 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, 1-5 p.m. Wild West Rug Hooking Tent.

5) “Miss V” shows kids 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 age students to learn a Bulgarian folk dance. Adults welcome. Aug. 7, 2-2:45 p.m. Pavilion Stage.

7) Series of family-friendly hands-on activities conducted by Red Dirt Master Gardeners; includes paper towel, gardening and more. Aug. 7, 2-5 p.m. SWAG Guild Tent.