Pontiac Heritage Days Marks 20 Years
By Tony Sapochetti, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
Jul. 31–PONTIAC — Dick Degenhart of Pontiac saw a forge for sale at an auction more than 30 years ago and thought that it could be an interesting hobby.
The former general contractor retired about 2 1/2 years ago, but his interest in the ironworking hobby remains.
He has learned how to make simply objects, like pokers, from blacksmiths in the area. And he’s willing to show people the traditions of workmanship which many feel have been forgotten.
Several people skilled in trades like basket weaving, chair caning, sheep shearing and even traditional folk instrument making will be on hand to display their talents this weekend at the annual Heritage Days Festival. The event will be celebrating its 20th year in downtown Pontiac.
“I think that a lot of things like this get lost,” Degenhart said. “I really like the camaraderie with the people, and I spend a lot of time talking with them. I would say that 95 percent of the people who come have never seen anybody beat on a hot iron.”
Heritage Days will begin with something new at 6 p.m. Friday: a street concert and dance. Three acts will offer a comedy quartet, “hillbilly” rock’n'roll and classic rock.
The concert and dance is expected to last until 11 p.m., and various food vendors and a beer garden will be open until then.
The festival will go back to its roots on Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be old-time craft demonstrations, exhibits, children’s activities, numerous forms of entertainment and other events on the courthouse square.
Several downtown businesses also will be open on Saturday for the event.
Pontiac Redeveloping Our United Downtown sponsors the event, and its executive director, Lori Fairfield, said its appeal over 20 years is easy to see.
“People are able to see things from years past that they don’t get to see in everyday life,” she said. “It might bring back memories for some people, and for the younger people it tends to give them a sense of awe.”
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Time travel
What: 20th Annual Heritage Days Festival showcasing traditional trades and entertainment
When: Friday and Saturday
Where: Downtown Pontiac
Highlights: Free street concert and dance, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. today; Old-time craft demonstrations, entertainment and other activities, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; pie baking contest, 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
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Copyright (c) 2008, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
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