OJAC invites families to Saturday’s festival

With a forecast of sunny skies and temperatures expected to reach the mid-80s on Saturday, it should be a perfect day for the Old Jail’s March Family Festival.

Entire families are invited to celebrate the traditional Bulgarian holiday, “Baba Marta,” onSaturday,March2attheOldJailArtCenter from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

“Bring the whole family and explore cultural crafts,games,andrefreshmentsinspired by spring traditions from the Balkans,” Old Jail education director Erin Whitmore said.

Participants can create a candy stork, play the lucky horseshoe game, and add “martenitsa” tothecommunity“SpringWishesBranch.”

Activities are planned in both the Courtyard and the Stasney Center.

Baba Marta, or “Granny March,” is the name of a Bulgarian mythical figure who brings with her the end of the cold winter and the beginning of the spring.Her holiday of the same name is celebrated in Bulgaria on March 1 with the exchange and wearing of martenitsi.

Martenitsaareredandwhitecoloredbands or figurines that symbolize health and happiness. They are given away to friends and family and are worn around the wrist or on clothes.

The family festival at the Old Jail is free and open to the public.

ThosewithquestionscancontacttheOJAC education department at 325-762-2936.