Marshfield Cultural Fair to be held Feb. 25

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — The colorful tradition of the Marshfield Cultural Fair continues on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County campus at 2000 W. Fifth St. Admission is free and open to the public.

“The Enchanting World of Puppets,” presented by Heart of the Beast Puppeteers, starts the event at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. Children and adults will experience a kaleidoscope of small to larger than life puppets, masks, and marionettes with dynamic forms and styles. At 1 p.m. the group also will perform “The Loon’s Song” to extend the puppet array even farther.

A Balkan band from Milwaukee named Prazna Flasa (Empty Bottle) will perform tamburitza music at noon in the gymnasium. Accordion, bass, bugarija, prim, violin, cello, and other tambura instruments combine to produce a southeastern European-type music that is gaining popularity.

The Zhong Yi Kung Fu Lion Dance Troupe at 3 p.m. will present a Chinese New Year’s cultural tradition centered on a folk-art story of a lion, a symbol of power and wisdom, seeking good luck and fortune through plucking some greens. Drums, cymbals, and gongs lead the dance movements to tell the story often performed by martial artists in colorful costumes.

Joining these performers will be others in a wide range of cultural traditions. Janelle’s Irish Dance group, Ecuadorian music, country line dancing, the Main Street Academy of Dance, and Indian Shama will fill the roster.

A Children’s Activity Center will offer craft projects to young attendees, multiple ethnic food menu options will be available, and various vendors will provide information and materials related to the Cultural Fair.

This year’s theme is “Kindness Counts,” and an area dedicated to building bridges in social situations will highlight practical methods to decrease bullying and fear.