Hands On History brings children to the mall

Hands On History filled the halls of the Holiday Village Mall with well over two dozen crafts and activities Saturday.

"It's quite a fundraiser ... ," said Kelly Brandon, one of the organizers of the event. "Quite a neat deal."

There were 34 activities for children and adults alike to take part in, including making bird-feeders out of pine cones, playing with baby chickens, ducks and sheep, learning how clothes used to be cleaned before the advent of washing machines and making clothes-pin dolls.

This is the largest fundraiser for the H. Earl Clack museum foundation. Their biggest three events are the "Shot in the Dark" Golf Tournament and their Christmas festivities, but Hands On History brings in the most money by far, said. Allison Keeley, the secretary of the museum foundation board.

Twenty of the events were sponsored by businesses and community members and were free to the attendees of the event. Other tables cost $2 to $3 to participate, Keeley said.

"For $20, kids can come and do anything," Keeley said.

People could also watch one of three acts performing on the stage in the center of the mall. A traditional Irish band complete with bagpipes, powwow dancers and a kitchen band newly formed in Chinook performed for those taking part in Hands On History.

Keeley said the most popular events were definitely the horseback riding in the parking lot and the candle-making table.

Around 60 to 70 community members volunteered to help with the day and 40 to 60 Montana State University-Northern students were there to help as well.

"We have a really strong support from Northern, and this is very supported by the community," Keeley said.

This was Hands On History's 10th year and a record one, Keeley said. Last year, the event raised more than $10,000 for the foundation and Keeley said this year, they would raise more than that.

Read more about and see more photos of Hands On History in Friday's issue, in the Hi-Line Living section.