Authors and artists return to Hackensack

   Northwoods Arts Council (NAC) is thrilled that their 26th Annual Art and Book Festival will be held in 2021 on Saturday, August 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This magical one day event will feature over 30 authors and 60 artists, all sharing their creative work with the north woods community.  Hackensack can boast that this NAC event is Minnesota’s Longest Running Art and Literature festival.

   Authors representing a variety of genres will be selling and signing their books. Featured author Elisa Korenne’s presentation Unfolding Foundation: Finding Inspiration and Renewal Where We Are is at 11 a.m. at UCC Sanctuary and Julie Jo Larson, author “Why Not? Writing a Travel Book During a Pandemic” is at 1 p.m. at UCC Sanctuary. Chat with the authors about their work and learn how their stories came to be penned into books.  It is a wonderful opportunity to pick out a new book and get it autographed at the same time.

   NAC strives to bring talented artists to this event and we will be featuring many new participants this year.  Stroll down Lake Street and view the various mediums of art including watercolors, print makers, metal workers, fiber arts, basket weavers, photographers, jewelry makers, potters, wood workers and glass blowers. You will even meet an artist that makes bowls out of paper.  These artists will be happy to tell you all about their creations and we guarantee something will catch your eye.  There is definitely something for everyone.

   An added attraction to the Children’s Art Tent will be the traveling WonderTrek Children’s Museum with interactive play appropriate for ages 3-10.   

   Live music by Wayne and the Boys all day, Rendezvous Brewery near the big top tent, food trucks offering yummy sandwiches and freshly popped kettle corn will be available. The “Church Pie Ladies” scheduled a Girl’s Road Trip this year and will miss the festival. But the men decided to take over.  So, “Pies By Guys” will make their debut, serving delicious pies made from scratch by Jeannette Dudley of the Big Dipper. Get a piece of pie ala mode before they run out.  You won’t go hungry at this event.  

   Many community organizations and non-profits will have a presence at this event.  It is great to have such an inclusive community whose organizations are there to inform and perhaps attract, new members or volunteers. Speaking of volunteers, if you’d like to join in the fun, Northwoods Arts Council would be grateful to anyone who’d like to participate in some small way. Contact us by email at: [email protected].

   We have also added extra shaded seating this year for seniors and those with disabilities.  You will be able to enjoy your day and take breaks throughout the festival. This free event is something you will not want to miss.  See you at the festival!