Two days and three nights of the best traditional and contemporary folk and world music.
A fantastic selection of quality crafts from local and regional artisans.

The Great River Folk Festival is proud to be a sponsor of Earth Month 2010 La Crosse! Throughout the year we work to plan an enjoyable, wholesome, family-friendly weekend. This includes making sure the event is as green as we can make it.

By its nature the Fest leaves a small footprint. In its entertainment and activities the event harks back to simpler times. Our juried traditional crafters use time honored and earth friendly processes in producing their baskets, pottery, wooden ware, jewelry, as well as hand-made soaps and herbed vinegars.

In the Food Tent we request that vendors consider using organic and locally grown ingredients. Last year we outlawed the sale of bottled water because of its many deleterious effects on the environment. At our request two years ago UW-L supplied recycling bins to help ameliorate the effects of serving food and beverages in single use containers.

The Children’s area has long been a model of earth-friendly activities and crafts. Sessions over the years have included producing hand crafted paper from recycled scraps and added bits of leaves and fibers, building sculptures from wood, pinecones and other items from nature, and making rainsticks from recycled cardboard tubes, to name a few.

Environmental education is a strong element in the Children’s area. Currently the La Crosse Area Herpetological Society brings snakes and other reptiles to promote familiarity and appreciation of these creatures. Myrick Hixon EcoPark volunteers engage kids in activities that promote appreciation and stewardship of our earth.

We strive to be earth friendly in everything we do. Join us under the late summer sky August 27-29 for the 35th annual Great River Folk Festival!

Planning is underway for a great Fest this summer. Check back often for details! Meanwhile, if you’re not familiar with the event, here’s a link to last year’s Fest.