Today@Sam Article

Folk Festival To Celebrate 19th Century Life

May 6, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Tammy Parrett

The Sam Houston State Memorial Museum will celebrate the life and contributions of Gen. Sam Houston with the 29th annual Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival, Friday through Sunday (May 13-15).

Held on the grounds of the Sam Houston State Memorial Museum, the festival will feature a variety of 19th century demonstrations such as canon and rifle fire, blacksmithing, glass-blowing, woodworking, cross-stitching, and Dutch oven cooking.

The three-day event offers a variety of historical and cultural experiences for visitors of every age. One can watch educational reenactments, listen to music, and shop for crafts, wares and food.

A cast of costumed characters including Gen. Houston, his family, and one of his scouts Deaf Smith will interact with guests and share information about life in the 1800s. Exhibits and performers representing the people and groups of Houston’s day that helped shape present-day Texas culture also will be featured, including Hispanics, African Americans and Native Americans. 

“This year’s festival will feature an exciting mix of returning favorites and new programs that will captivate visitors of all ages,” said Scotty Cherryholmes, marketing coordinator for the festival. “Guests won’t just be hearing actors describe life in the 1800s; they’ll be seeing live demonstrations of 19th century activities up close and personal.”

For the first time, the museum grounds will also host the Texas State Knife and Tomahawk Championship on Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Knife Throwers Hall of Fame world champion Chris Miller and his wife Sarah host the event each year, with the proceeds going to support wounded service members through the Lone Survivor Foundation.

There is no additional charge to attend the championship.

The festival will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 

The Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival was established in 1988 to increase visitors’ understanding and appreciation for Texas history, the life of Gen. Sam Houston, and frontier and pioneer heritage.

Admission is $5 per day for adults and $3 per day for children; children under the age of 3 will receive free admission. Group rates are also available.

For more information, call the Sam Houston Memorial Museum at 936.294.1832, and for a complete entertainment lineup, visit gshff.com or “Like” the Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival on Facebook.

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