SINGING around the fire, Flandrau State Park visitors enjoy the pleasure of a Friday evening songfest. Playing his dulcimer, (left) Will Fariss,park naturalist, entertains the singers.

Story and photos by Steve Kohls

Smells of maple and oak wood smoke meet your nose as you walk down the winding trail to the beach house any Friday evening in Flandrau State Park.

As you near a stone and cedar structure,sounds of folk songs slip through the heavy wooden windows.

Passing through the doorway of the building an instrument resembling a guitar produces a rhythm; laced with the singing of folk songs it fills the room.

THE BLAZING fire and streaming light from the setting sun comprise the atmosphere for Will Fariss’ songfest every Friday evening in the beach house at Flandrau State Park.

Playing his dulcimer, an Appalachian version of a guitar, Fariss carries on his father’s tradition as a scout master and songleader.

“My dad died of a heart attack just a short time ago,” Fariss said.” One of his favorite pastimes was playing the guitar as a scoutmaster around the crackling campfire.”

THE SWINGING beat of songs from spirituals to blue grass and river entertains visitors as they pass the time on a summer Friday evening.

“I like to keep the songs ‘folksy’ so everyone can really enjoy the singing,” Fariss said.

The added flavor of the songfest comes when Fariss brings his dulcimer into the center of the circle of singers.

With mahogany wood given to him by his fiance, Fariss built the instrument which is strapped to his knees. Played horizontally, across his lap, the unusual tone of the dulcimer adds the touch of hill country to the songfest.

For added enjoyment, Fariss invited other guitarists into the arena giving the evening a blend of different musicians.

HE HAS plans for the Friday night songfests even to the point of inviting well-known singing groups to the park as a drawing card.

As the evening passes, the singers begin to drift away to their homes in town or to their waiting campers.

As Fariss hits the final note, you know his life as a naturalist at Flandrau State Park has lightened the lives of people around him.

New Ulm Daily Journal

July 13, 1975