STEP INTO THE PAST. The Past Passed Here event in Chippewa Falls is an annual favorite, offering the public the chance to take part in olden traditions and activities.

Celebrating its 20th year, this local-favorite event centers around historic re-enactments and olden-time flair, offering folks an in-person glimpse into the past.

This year, the Past Passed Here event – slated for May 12-14 – will return to Marshall Park in Chippewa Falls, tickets per person selling for $5 or $15 per family, kids ages five and under gaining admission for free.

Demonstrators will include blacksmiths, fur traders, wood carvers, and more, while hands-on activities like archery, flint and steel fire starting, tomahawk throwing, and more will be offered. Old-time music will fill the air and fur-trade era treasures will be up for grabs, alongside old-fashioned food.

Also marking its 20th year at the Past Passed Here event, school system-coordinated activities will be offered to Chippewa and Eau Claire county students. Over the past 19 years, nearly 10,000 grade school students have spent a day in camp to learn about Wisconsin history, explore French fur trade camps, and learn about the various jobs lumberjacks did, among other things.

The Tilden Lions Club will have volunteers staffing the Chippewa County Historical Society food booth offering buffalo burgers, brats, hotdogs, Olson’s ice cream, root beer floats, Micon Cinema popcorn, and more. Plus, Native American fry bread and old-fashioned candy will also be available.

The three-day journey to the past will run Friday, May 12 from 3-6pm; Saturday, May 13 from 9am-6pm; and Sunday, May 14 from 9am-3pm.

Learn more about the event on the Chippewa County Historical Society’s website. Open to the public, admission tickets will be sold at the event.