Craft Arts Events

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair

Spinning Class

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair Comes to Ag Center October 28-30

The 23rd annual Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF) will be held October 28–30 on the grounds of the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Friday and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Among the events for fiber arts enthusiasts—including those who knit, crochet, weave, dye or spin yarn—will be workshops, demonstrations and contests, as well as the chance to shop for supplies, equipment and handmade items. Pat Brown, a weaver and member of WNC Fibers/Handweavers Guild will be demonstrating and letting interested participants try their hand. “Fiber play of any kind,” she says, “is my joy and passion. I set as my retirement goal that I would weave and teach weaving to anyone who wanted to learn. So I demonstrate whenever the opportunity arises.”

SAFF regularly attracts more than 5,000 participants. This year’s theme, “Barn to Yarn,” highlights the small farmers who raise fiber animals including sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and angora rabbits. Animal shows will be held, including a Junior Sheep Show on Saturday, and farmers will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be a fleece show and sale.

Vendors range from those selling small-batch hand-dyed yarns to those with major commercial yarns from around the world.

Beginners and experienced artists interested in attending workshops should register online before the fair begins. Workshops start on Thursday, October 27, and run through the weekend of the show.

Tickets are $5 per person per day with children under 12 admitted free. Parking is available, and those attending are asked to enter at Gate 6 from Airport Road. To learn more or to sign up for workshops visit saffsite.org.

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