Volunteer Opportunity

6th Annual Port Oneida Fair (say "Port 'Neida")
Friday & Saturday, August 10th & 11th

Ever make a whimmy diddle? How about a corn shuck doll, a button hammer or a bull roarer?

"History comes alive in Leelanau County! Journey into the past at the Port Oneida Fair, a two-day celebration of northwest Michigan's cultural history and rural traditions. The fair will feature demonstrations and interactive displays of pastimes and activities, both work and play, that could be found in Leelanau County at the turn of the 20th century. In addition to enjoying up-close tours of the district's one-room schoolhouse, historic farms and homesteads, visitors can witness timber framing, blacksmithing and quilt making, watch a traditional Native American dance, or even kick up their heels in an old fashioned barn dance."

That's how this event has previously been promoted, drawing thousands of visitors in 2006. In our fourth year at the fair, we'll be featuring old-time homemade toys at our location, with some hands-on activities for kids of all ages under our two 10' x 10' "Sun Shelters". MIMS members will be available to show how it's done, and to answer questions about the islands. We'll also be hosting a fiddler with accompanying strings, playing old time favorites, and teaching you how to play their antique instruments between sets. This is a great opportunity for younger members to participate in a fun and meaningful event.

Remember your favorite homemade toys? Are you handy at making them? If so, you can participate in this activity even if you can't be in Port Oneida in August. Contribute your ideas or your own personal creations for this year's exhibit. Signify your interest by clicking on the "Volunteer" link ... or just come join the fun!

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MIMS™ ~ the Manitou Islands Memorial Society