It’s new, it’s unique, it’s Project Acorn in Ferdinand

Call it a stroke of genius.

Or maybe an explosion sparked from a tiny flame.

Better yet, call it a huge opportunity for the community at large.

When the Ferdinand Folk Festival was established six years ago, the intent was to celebrate and build community through music, art, environment and wellness education. The one day event has grown into an amazing, well-respected festival to be enjoyed by all ages, with attendees traveling from far and wide, in addition to the local crowd.

However, one day a year is not quite enough, at least in the opinion of a group of volunteers with ties to the Folk Festival.

Enter Project ACORN (Art, Community, Originality, Rhythm, and Nature) — an expansion of the original mission that has taken on a life of its own. Co-chaired by Rock Emmert and Deb Abell with committee members Kris Lasher, Doug Abell, Jill Sicard, Brooke Van Winkle and Collin Daunhauer and a variety of talented volunteers — Project ACORN is destined to breathe new life into the original aim of the Ferdinand Folk Fest.

Inside this issue is a snapshot of Project ACORN’s vision — expanding the one-day event into a four-season series of free classes, workshops, hikes, field trips, events, films, etc., for citizens of Ferdinand and neighboring communities, the operative word being FREE. It is also a comprehensive listing of offerings available to all, with age suggestions for these first 15 opportunities.

“Building on the success of the first six years of the Folk Festival and last year’s inaugural singer-songwriting contest, we volunteer organizers of Project ACORN recognize the wealth of community-minded, creative people — artists, artisans, teachers, hobbyists, enthusiasts — in and around Ferdinand,” explained Emmert in the groups’ purpose statement. “Project ACORN invites volunteer involvement from diverse ages and all walks of life to lead and participate. The strong community spirit found at the festival and the fundraising concerts, the new friendships forming, and the networking of area citizens enrich the community and region in diverse and long-lasting ways.”

Emmert noted that Ferdinand has much to celebrate: caring people, a rich history complemented by forward thinking citizens and leadership, supportive businesses, a contract with a renewable energy provider, natural beauty in her picturesque skyline, pristine parks, surrounding fields and forests, including the Ferdinand State Forest, stellar schools, a nationally-recognized monastery, the renowned Christkindlmarkt, a new YMCA promoting health and wellness, a dynamic, new library fostering intellectual growth, unique architecture including the restored Wollenmann Home in the heart of town, friendly neighboring communities, and a variety of other attributes.

Project ACORN strives to build upon these strengths.

All the presenters listed inside for the inaugural Summer Season are volunteers—sharing their love of art, music and community. All interested participants are encouraged to contact each presenter as soon as possible since enrollment is limited. Times and locations are subject to change. For questions, please call 812-309-8566 or e-mail ferdinandprojectacorn@gmail. com.

A Facebook page (www. facebook.com/ferdinandprojectacorn) has launched and will include updates on classes, events, local concerts, artist and musician spotlights, and more.