by: Bobby McDonald
Go back in time to the way your grandparents or great-grandparents did it! That's what citizens from all across Hopkins County were doing on Saturday, at the Hopkins County Historical Museum, as they attended Folk Festival. An array of artisans, crafters, and Dutch oven cooks were on hand to demonstrate the art of everyday life, as our ancestors lived it in Hopkins County. From quilt makers to oil painters and cooks, patrons could learn just how Hopkins County pioneers formed this area of East Texas.
The Lone Star Quilt Guild gave demonstrations from start to finish on crafting beautiful quilts.
This old sewing machine was considered "modern," as quilters demonstrated the hand construction of quilts,
at Saturday's Folk Festival.
Dutch oven cooking demonstrations were held throughout the day, as many of the cooks assembled at daylight to begin cooking their "tasty morsels." The process involves starting a fire and securing the coals to use with the Dutch ovens. The cooks included many seasoned individuals, who had cooked many times, to those who were only beginners. The result was some mighty tasty food, come dinner time!
Seasoned cook, Tim Berger, left, cooked a group of tasty recipes from the campsite he shared with his wife, Pam, while
Will Horton, right, a beginner, smiles proudly with his apple cobbler.
The Chester Family joined forces to cook in the Dutch oven demonstrations.
And, if one wasn't too full after lunch from all the Dutch oven food, there was hatchet throwing, where patrons had the opportunity to try their hand at throwing a hatchet at a designated target. Sadly, many local residents found that they would have probably been "scalped" long before they got the hatchet thrown!
And, beneath the shade trees, Charles Sellers conducted a roping demonstration, where he taught children how to successfully throw a rope at a stationary object.
This youngster throws a rope with the instructions of local roper,
Charles Sellers.
Local artists, both those who have much experience to their credit and those who have just begun, were available to paint a variety of pictures, at Saturday's event. Hands-on experience was offered for those who wanted to learn techniques in painting and many youngsters took advantage of the opportunity.
Local artist, Nely deBoer, demonstrated her talents in oil painting from the historic chapel in Heritage Park.
And, Tucker Ewalt could possibly be an "aspiring artist" as he learned some of the basics.
And, this father aids his children in completing an art project, beneath the shade trees.
Other popular stops at the Hopkins County Heritage Museum included a candlemaking station, antique cars, and the various buildings on the grounds, where docents were available to guide patrons through the historic structures.
These patrons try their hand at making candles the old fashioned way.
The paddle wheel at the old mill continued to turn and made for a peaceful scene at Saturday's event.
And, Ruth Macy made stew from this site, in her period costume.
These patrons closely inspected the Vaden Cabin, to see how early pioneers in Hopkins County lived.
There weren't any air conditioners back then!
And, antique cars such as this one were exhibited throughout the park,
during Saturday's event.
Finally, a new attractions at this year's Folk Festival was a Mexican Cantina, that was the creation of Max Bradford.
Hombre, Max Bradford, right, and "Can Can Girl," Joyce Bateman were at the Mexican Cantina,
for Saturday's Folk Festival.
And, they seemed to be serving-up some mighty "funky" looking chickens!
All who attended Saturday's Folk Festival agreed that it was a wonderful day spent with family and friends and made one appreciate the many modern conveniences that we enjoy in modern life. Hardly anyone left the grounds wanting to return to yesteryear on a permanent basis, but all agreed, it is a nice place to visit, for a little while!
The Hopkins County Folk Festival is hosted annually on the second Saturday of May, at Hopkins County Historical Museum.
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