MABA logo and burning coal
Before you leave for the next demonstration, make it a habit to check the MABA Web Calendar Page for a potential change or cancellation.

Calendar

This page updated October 28th, 2023.

Safety first is expected at all MABA demonstrations. Safety glasses must be worn during demonstrations.

First and foremost this calendar is to keep members up to date on our activities. Guests and visitors are welcome at demonstrations! Anyone interested in learning more about blacksmithing is encouraged to attend. Please review these safety issues before attending an event.

A typical MABA Demonstration

The date and time for a demonstration is usually Saturday at noon. Many of the members work Saturday morning or need travel time so noon has worked out well for our group. Gathering at noon we share a pot-luck lunch and plenty of conversation. Please bring a dish to pass if you are able. This is a great time to get to know the other members, ask questions and share information. The event is typically held at a member's shop and the host is often the demonstrator for the afternoon. Members, guests and visitors attending will spend about 2 hours enjoying the demonstration

Four times a year the group has a business meeting. Three meetings are held at a demonstration and the fourth is our Annual elections/meeting/Auction/Pot-luck Christmas party in December. The calendar listing will note if the demonstration will also be a business meeting.

Also listed on the calendar

Other activities around Michigan will also be listed on the calendar. These include events where MABA blacksmiths have been invited to demonstrate and/or sell to the public. Please consider attending these activities as they are another wonderful way to gain and share information about blacksmithing.

The last activities included on the calendar are events hosted by ABANA or other ABANA affiliates.

Please contact an Officer for pertinent information about any activity.

Calendar 2023

September 2023

  • September 1-3: Labor Day Weekend. You're Invited to Demonstrate
    • UP Steam & Gas Engine Show
      State Fairgrounds, Escanaba, MI
      Blacksmiths welcome to demonstarte! Coal is provided!
      Contact: George Potvin 906.466.2276 for details.
  • September 1-3: Labor Day Weekend. Private Event
    • Blacksmith's hammer-in and Campout at Waterloo Farm Museum
      See the FYI page for more info
  • September 16-17: You're Invited to Demonstrate
    • Ortonville Community Historical Society
      366 Mill Street, Ortonville, MI

      The Ortonville Community Historical Society invites you to demonstrate at the grounds of the Old Mill and Blacksmith Shop September 16-17. This event coincides with Ortonville’s SeptemberFest, our most highly-attended downtown festival. This year will be extra special as we are celebrating Ortonville’s 175th anniversary, which includes food vendors and a beer tent.

      Please bring any gear, a way to rope off your work area, and your own steel and coal. Pop-up shades are welcome. Rustic camping available beginning Friday night; otherwise plan to be set up early Saturday morning before vehicle traffic is restricted. We have a shop to lock up any valuable equipment overnight. You are welcome to sell your wares at this event.

      The address is 366 Mill Street, Ortonville. Demonstration hours are 10am to 4pm. To RSVP or for more information, email Tom Roberts or call 248-660-6652.

      https://www.facebook.com/OldMillBlacksmith or https://www.facebook.com/OrtonvilleCommunityHistoricalSociety

      Contact: Tom Roberts at troberts@hrcengr.com or call 248.660.6652.
  • September 22-24: SOFA Quadstate Conference 2023

October 2023

  • October 7: at noon. Business Meeting, Officer Nominations and Demonstration.
    • Hosted by Eric Hemker
      Armada, Mi
      Eric will demonstrate knife forging.
      Iron-in-the-Hat: Animals.
      - Bring your donation for the TOOL BOX. 2 months left before Christmas party!

November 2023

  • November 11: at noon. Regular MABA demonstration.
    • Hosted by Rob Georgic
      Belleville MI 48111
      Rob will demonstrate a Twist-O-Matic and Cold Metal Shrinker.
      Iron-in-the-Hat: Something Twisted.
      - Bring your donation for the TOOL BOX. 1 month left before Christmas party!

December 2023

  • December 2: at noon. MABA Business Meeting & Christmas Party!
    • MABA Business Meeting & Christmas Party
      No demonstration, MABA business meeting, officer elections, scholarship awards, MABA Auction. Great potluck dinner.
      Great Larger Hall destination!
      Saginaw Field & Stream Club Hall
      1296 N. Gleaner Rd.
      Saginaw, MI 48609-9495

      • Calendar 2024

      January 2024

      • January 20, at noon. Pot Luck.
        • Hosted by Amy Weiks and Gabriel Craig, Smith Shop
          Highland Park MI 48203
          Gabriel will demonstrate open die forging and Amy will demonstrate scrolling techniques.
          Iron-in-the-Hat: Something with a scroll.

      February 2024

      • February 17, at noon. Pot Luck.
        • Hosted by Bob Becker
          White Horse Forge
          Oxford MI 48370
          Bob will demonstrate his horse head and tooling.
          Iron-in-the-Hat: Coat Hook

      May 2024

      • May 17 - 19 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

          • MEMBERS - Mark Your Calendar!-MAY HAMMER-IN


      Safety First!

      Whereas the craft of blacksmithing is a potentially dangerous activity, any guest/visitor attending an activity hosted by the Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association will be required to sign the Liability Release form and wear safety glasses while in the demonstration area or during a demonstration or anytime ANY metal work is being preformed at the demonstration area.

      Please turn in your signed release form to any MABA officer at the MABA event.

      Guests and visitors to an event must understand the unique safety issues involved with hot iron. Sparks Fly! Tools Break!

      • Wear safety glasses.
      • Wear natural fiber clothes like cotton. Synthetics are more flammable and they melt, potentially contributing to serious burns.
      • Wear closed toe shoes, leather if possible, high top leather is best.
      • Assume all iron; stock, tools, vises etc. are HOT.
      • Resist the urge to grab for falling objects. They can be very HOT.
      • Wear Ear Protection!