Blacksmithing Basics: Halloween Snakes

Get hands-on with metalworking at this three-hour introductory blacksmithing workshop. You and your family will learn foundational forging techniques and use traditional blacksmithing tools to shape your own decorative steel snake to bring home. The session is led by Jared Ondovchik, a Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith, who will guide you through the process step-by-step. This is a great Halloween-themed activity for anyone curious about the craft, whether you've never picked up a hammer before or want to explore a new skill in a festive setting. The workshop costs $90 per person and is capped at 16 participants, so advance tickets are strongly recommended. Since this takes place at the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces, an industrial site, come prepared with clothes you don't mind getting dirty and sturdy closed-toe shoes, as the grounds are uneven and temperature-controlled spaces aren't available. Portable restrooms and hand-washing stations are on-site. Handicapped parking and an ADA-compliant ramp to the workshop space are available. For specific accessibility questions, contact Rivers of Steel directly.