The annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest brings together farmer and artisan at the Sparta Fairgrounds. The mission of this 501(c)(3) corporation is to preserve the history of textiles in the region of northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia and bring up the next generation of fiber artists. The festival takes place over a two-day period where farmers display their animals and artisans display and sell their goods. Each year is a little different, but fiber arts are well represented.
Spinning, weaving, felting, and other crafts are taught by professional instructors, and materials are available to purchase for all disciplines of the fiber arts. Wool, skein, and garment contests are held each year; a consignment sale of gently loved fiber equipment is available for the buyer and/or seller; and the farmer can sell their fleece at the annual fleece sale. Meet the producers: the goats, sheep, llama, alpaca, and rabbits who provide the luxurious fibers to make the products, and the artisans who make them.
First Weekend of June