Old-fashioned demonstrations give festival-goers a look at pioneer ways
A traditional teepee was on display behind the Hootin an Hollarin Main stage all three days. Those attending the festival Friday were also able to speak with MDC’s Kevin Smith, who dressed in traditional attire and had a variety of primitive weaponry, animal pelts and other interesting items on display.
From spinning wheels to glass art, fiddles to rope making, the Hootin an Hollarin demonstrations once again gave festival-goers a chance to slow down, learn about old-time crafts and take home a little slice of tradition.
Demonstration chairman Barb Luna said she was thrilled with the turnout of demonstrators and the enthusiasm of festival visitors. “I saw people watching all the demonstrators,” Luna said. “The shady courthouse lawn is such a good place for many of them.” Four demonstrators were set up on the courthouse lawn this year, with two more in the bank parking lot nearby.
Among those demonstrating was Cynthia Stevens, who brought her spinning wheel, showing the old-fashioned art of turning fiber into yarn. Basket makers Michelle and Cheryl took over the space Saturday afternoon, weaving strips of material into sturdy, beautiful baskets.
The free ragdoll-making station, always a favorite with kids, was so busy that volunteers ran out of the premade braided arms and had to craft more on the spot. Festival-goers of all ages lined up to create dolls with the help of Abby Kahl, Lily Branco and Niki Cooper.
The courthouse lawn also featured several other crowd-pleasing demonstrations. Brian Thompson worked a pedal-powered scroll saw, carefully cutting out festival-goers’ names from wood as keepsakes.
Nearby, Stacy Davenport displayed fiddles he has made and repaired, including his very first fiddle, signed by legendary fiddler Violet Hensley, now 108, and Grandpa Jones of Silver Dollar City fame. Davenport, who learned from Hensley herself, shared stories of music, craftsmanship and tradition with anyone who stopped by.
Other courthouse lawn demonstrations included Lynn and Charlotte Taylor, showing the old art of rope making, and Andy Leach of Get to the Points Knapping, teaching festival-goers about flint knapping while displaying hand-crafted points and tools.
Returning this year was the popular Jay’s Glass Flow booth, which made its Hootin an Hollarin debut in 2024. Visitors gathered around to watch glass being melted and shaped into colorful works of art, particularly striking when lit up at night.
In addition to these craft demonstrations, festival-goers also got a glimpse of Ozark history and heritage. A traditional teepee was set up on the courthouse lawn, and on Friday, Missouri Department of Conservation’s Kevin Smith was there too. Smith is a familiar face to some locals, having taught art at Gainesville Schools from 1980-1983. He was dressed in traditional attire and shared primitive weaponry, animal pelts and other displays. Nearby, MDC’s booth featured animal pelts, furs and examples of old-style traps, with Gavin Rowbothom and Austin Thompson on hand to answer questions.
Altogether, the demonstrations offered something for everyone, a mix of hands-on crafts, living history and artistry that reminded festival-goers why the demonstration area remains a highlight of Hootin an Hollarin each year.