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Date: 11/7/2018
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Lovers of all things wool, silk and cotton gathered at the Eastern States Exposition to celebrate fiber during the 9th annual Fiber Festival of New England.
From Nov. 3 to Nov. 4, more than 150 exhibitors set up shop at the Mallary Complex to showcase their products, including clothing, quilts, blankets, rugs, looms and spinning wheels. The event, which was co-produced by the Exposition and the New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association, seeks to promote the use of wool and other natural fibers and related products to the general public. Admission cost $7 per person and was free for children 12 and under.
The festival also strives to provide an educational opportunity for visitors to learn how animals contribute to the fiber industry through live displays of llamas, alpacas, sheep and rabbits, according to Eastern States Exposition Agricultural Manager Elena Hovagimian.
“Everything that you could possibly want to know about fiber is here, and it’s a fun hobby for many people – from the youngest to the young at heart. It’s a multigenerational type of craft,” she said. “It’s a great way to start a fun hobby or support those that do the hobby. The festival brings communities together to help them unite them under one thing.”
The activities that were offered included a fleece sale and sheep shearing demonstrations, while several of the workshops featured felting, spinning, punch needle, Tunisian crochet, rug hooking, Naalbinding and more.
Hovagimian added that the festival is a great place to shop, especially for the upcoming holidays.
“It’s really kind of a one-stop marketplace where you can purchase all types of supplies, equipment and fiber,” she told Reminder Publishing. “You can get the kits you need to get started on a project and you can also buy a finished product – like a gift or handmade item that is for sale. We had farm-made soaps, stuffed animals and creative home furnishings.”
According to the Exposition’s online mission statement, the non-profit corporation is committed to excellence in providing year-round opportunities for the development and promotion of agriculture, education, industry and family entertainment while preserving New England heritage.
Its website claims its statement of purpose is to:
• Provide an educational experience for urban and rural persons, especially youth, through programs and exhibitions designed to include local and regional participation, demonstration and competition.
• Provide a show window to present the agricultural and other resources of the Northeast and beyond.
• Provide regional facilities for use in serving the best interests of New England and the Northeast.
• Focus attention on the New England heritage and its pioneering spirit that contributes to continuing progress.
Hovagimian said she believes the fiber festival furthers the Exposition’s mission statement by supporting the agricultural industry.
“We partnered with New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association on this project because it’s a great way to support our mission, which is focused on the agriculture industry,” she said. “We feel that by providing this show, we get to educate our primarily urban and suburban audience about fiber and where fiber comes from.”
For more information about the Eastern States Exposition, and the events it has to offer year-round, head over to https://www.easternstatesexposition.com/default.aspx.