Special attention is given to providing engaging and educational performances and hands-on activities for children and youth, sharing the richness and diversity of many cultures with them. The Family Activities Area features storytelling, workshops, parades, interactive music, quiet games and active games, hands-on crafts and other creative learning opportunities for young audiences and their families. The Family Stage features a variety of performances including puppetry, music, dance and other art forms, all designed to be fun for both children and adults.

 

A look at the 71st National Folk Festival Family Area July 10-12, 2009

 

The family area, located at the intersection of East Broadway and Arizona Street, featured many activities for children of all ages that taught about traditional arts and crafts while they entertained.

STICK PONIES - Children were able to build stick ponies with pre-cut horse heads made from foam-core board, and dowel rods. They were able to decorate these and take part in stick pony parades around the festival site.

DRAWING AND PAINTING - Children were able to draw and paint whatever they like, with different horse iconography on display to stimulate their imaginations.

HORSE COMMUNITY SCULPTURE PROJECT - A life-size mule pulling a mine cart was on site and participants were encouraged to fasten bits of cloth to it. Bits of cloth had room for children to place their names and hometowns along with any artwork they wanted to add.

PONY RIDES - The littlest children were able to take pony rides.

NATIVE HORSE TOYS - Two different toys were available for participants to make. One is woven the other is snipped from willow sticks. Original examples can be viewed at the state history museum in Helena.

HORSE BASKET DEMONSTRATION - Expert weavers demonstrated how woven horse baskets are created.

Other activities for kids included horsehair hitching, rope making, trick roping demonstrations, and lessons on how to lasso.

The Family Area also featured a stage with performances by musicians, storytellers, and dancers who entertained while they taught children about the importance of the horse in the past and the present of their culture.