The 42nd Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival is underway. The returning festival features an eclectic mix of musical acts, from Grammy-winning national acts to several local favorites. The festival continues throughout the weekend. (Journal photo by Randy Crouch)

MARQUETTE — A large crowd gathered Friday at Marquette’s Tourist Park Campground for the highly anticipated return of the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival after COVID-19 restrictions caused the in-person cancellation of the festival each of the last two years.

The 42nd edition of the festival features a wide variety of local, national and international musicians. Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Don Flemons headlines the festival and is joined by other artists that include Grammy-nominated band The Revelers, singer-songwriter Chicago Farmer, Ellis Dyson and the Shambles, local favorite Troy Graham and many more.

The festival got underway Friday evening with an opening ceremony that featured local musicians and crowd participation.

The weekend is full of activities for families, including workshops, a teen only dance as well as a “tween tent” which features child-friendly activities and arts and crafts for kids aged 9-12.

Plenty of other activities beyond music will be taking place throughout the weekend as well, including “Artists in the Round” an art show which will be on display Saturday and Sunday which features the Young Artists Corner, which features art and displays from local kids.

Day passes for the festival will be available at the Kaufman Sports Complex throughout the weekend.