So. . . The last weekend in September I journeyed to West Branch and the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds to take part in the Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival. My four door sedan was loaded with Aral Peak Alpaca banners, eight 18 gallon "tubs" full of fiber from 10 different critters, fall-ish decorations to make the booth look welcoming, and 1/2 bushel of apples to lure people in.
The volunteers were extremely helpful and friendly. A boon to this rookie vendor. I had no clue as to how to set things up, to say nothing of the fact that the decision to jump into this adventure was made quite late in the year. The veterans who "do fiber" for a living were quite daunting, to say the least. My booth was tiny compared to the rest of the 49 displays at the show!
The sales were barely enough to cover expenses, but the learning experience was invaluable. On Saturday night (it was a two day show) the volunteers prepared a delicious dinner for the vendors which was included as part of the entry fee. The veterans imparted so many good ideas, taught me so many "tricks of the trade" and made me feel very welcome.
I did take my wheel to assure folks that I knew what to do with what I had on display, and to show people what the results of spinning this most beautiful fiber could be. I also had some commercially spun Aral Peak Alpaca for sale.
And now I am "hooked". I have begun plan for next year. Original, kitted patterns and yarn for hats and mittens will be part of my display, as well as some raw fleeces for the "dyed in the wool" fiber folk who want to wash, card and spin from "scratch". I am a fan of the fiber mills who wash and card and prepare roving for me!
My ultimate goal is to get into the fiber festival at the Castle in Charlevoix in July and the Leland Fiber Festival in October. The Charlevoix show is always full from year to year so I am on the waiting list and hoping that some of the long time vendors decide to retire. Leland is an invitation only juried show and invitations go out in February. After submitting pictures and descriptions of what you have to offer, a panel decides whether you will be in . . . or not. Wish me luck!
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