Focus on Fiber Arts: Take a day at the Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival

Spring is making its appearance just in time for the 105th Connecticut Sheep Wool & Fiber Festival.

The annual fiber festival will be held, rain or shine, this Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. 4 p.m., at the Tolland Agricultural Center in Vernon/Rockville.

This event has been designated as one of the top ten agricultural events where people can go to Buy CT Grown. This is a chance to take the family for a fun day out in the country. There will be sheep dog demonstrations, as well as a kid’s corner where children can play games, while exploring fiber activities. There will be fiber animals on display, such as alpacas, sheep and angora bunnies. The family can learn what is involved in the care and grooming of these animals.

Plan on eating there, since there will be no escape from the aroma of breakfast sandwiches, burgers, stew and chicken from the food vendors.

For the fiber lovers, there are buildings devoted solely to vendors, selling, fiber, hand dyed yarns, spinning wheels, and equipment. I plan on setting up a booth for the day with lots of knitting yarns and supplies.

So grab the family, leave the pups at home, and plan on spending your day learning about fiber animals, and what they have to offer us.

Virginia (Ginger) Balch knits, weaves and spins in all things “fibery” at her shop In Sheep’s Clothing at 10 Water St. Torrington. Reach the shop online at www.in-sheeps-clothing.com or by phone at 860-482-3979.