Courtesy Photo A performer dances with hula hoops in front of the Antique Tractor Showgrounds.

ALPENA — The Thunder Bay Folk Festival starts its ninth year at the Antique Tractor Grounds on French Road from Friday through Sunday.

Songwriters, musicians, and more than 22 bands will play on two stages around the venue.

Tickets are $70 for the weekend, $30 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, and $25 for Saturday after 8 p.m.

Diane Teddy, president of the festival, said she’s excited for people to come around and hopes there will be more attending due to the warmer weather.

“Usually around this time of year, it can be sort of brisk,” Teddy said. “We really hope more songwriters, musicians, and other people who just love folk music will come and enjoy a wonderful time with everyone.”

This year, workshops for songwriting and instruments are spread out throughout the weekend for attendees to learn and to better their skills.

Teddy has volunteered for the festival since its third year and was asked last year to run for president since the last president looked to step down.

For Teddy, the most important part about the festival is the people.

“Last year I got a bunch of wooden buttons with psychedelic colors that really popped out and handed 200 of them out,” Teddy said. “They all had a raffle prize on the back for someone to win and I would meet people by handing them out.”

A third stage is found further in the woods and attendees can find it from the lights leading to it. The stage is an open mic performance area where anyone can play what they want and perform in front of a crowd.

Teddy said it’s a great time to pick up a guitar and sing around a bonfire with others in a peaceful environment.

She mentioned that she’s thankful for all the sponsors who supported the event and to the volunteers who helped make the event function.

“The best part about the people here is that they’re enjoying themselves,” Teddy said. “I’m the host of this event and I love bringing people into my house. I love hosting such a talented community.”