CROSSLAKE - The 23rd annual Crosslake Area Historical Society's Artisan's Fair will be Sunday at the Historic Log Village across from the Crosslake Corps of Engineers Dam and Campground in downtown Crosslake.
More than 30 artisans will be situated throughout the Historic Log Village displaying crafts reminiscent of 1900. As in prior years artisans will demonstrate their crafts as they sell their wares. The family friendly event will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. and will offer something for everyone of every age. There will be soap making, candle dipping, hand spinning, pottery, weaving, blacksmithing and more. There will be children's activities including a scavenger hunt and corn-husking contest.
Blacksmith Jim Newgord from Pillager is returning to demonstrate in blacksmith shop. Local resident Mary Dischinger will render lard over a fire in her grandfather's kettle for soap making. Bunny Geiger from Timothy Township will demonstrate candle dipping. Allan Hochsprung, wood turner, will display his bowls and vases.
Walter Grittner is a wood carver in his 90s who travels from St Cloud to show off his craft. Participants can bring their dull knives to be professionally sharpened by Dan Coleman of Park Rapids. Ted Norlin of Crosby will demonstrate the art of rope making. Pine needle baskets will
be constructed by Sharon Larson.
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Watch artist Raleigh Kinney paint a watercolor work of art. Ken Benson will provide music on accordion while his wife Pat displays her pottery creations.
The buildings in the Historic Log Village will be staffed with knowledgeable volunteers in period costume. Step into Crosslake of 1900 and see the log building that was the first official school on the Whitefish Chain, the Ostlund home built by August Ostlund and his son, Charles in the late 1800s, the first Watertown Township Town Hall and a replica of the first Crosslake store.
In the Livery, is the original Whitefish Chain Mail boat, a 1949 Chris-Craft, restored by Ronnie Schultz and Joe Ruttger plus other exhibits of Crosslake's past.
Parking will be available at the Frandsen Bank, on the street, at the campgrounds and in the museum parking lot.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
