The Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau will hold its 14th Annual Fiber Arts Festival Friday March 10 and Saturday March 11, 2017 at the Jay Community Center located at 115 E. Water St. Portland, Indiana. The 2-day event devoted to the fiber arts will include classes, hands-on activity, and a variety of demonstrations. On Friday at 6:00 pm Kate Larson, a well-known fiber artist loves using fiber arts as a bridge between art and agriculture. She is the author of The Practical Spinner’s Guide: Wool (Interweave, 2015) and several videos, including How to Spin Yarn to Knit. Her work has appeared in Spin-Off, Jane Austen Knits, and more. Follow her at KateLarsonTextiles.com.

On both days there will be an opportunity for children to earn a fun patch. Curt Burnette, Limberlost Naturalist will have a display table on Limberlost wildlife with a focus on how fibers are used in nature and storyteller Carol Knarr Geberet will keep the kids entertained with a variety of her exciting stories. Reduce ReUse Recycle – stop by the Jay County Solid Waste Management District booth at the Fiber Fest and spend a few moments making a "Firefly" from recycled items! The "young at heart" will enjoy this "make it and take it" item! A variety of demonstrating both days and activities for the children.

Homemade food is also available both days; Thursday Evening we are open for class only and NOT open to the public. For more information or to register for classes please visit our website infojc.

Date Activity Hours Admission Fee

Thursday, March 9 Classes by pre-registration 5-8pm Not Open to Public

Friday, March 10 Open to the public 10-5pm $1.00 (6 & under Free)

Friday, March 10 Classes by pre-registration 9am-4pm None

Friday, March 10 Kids Fun Patch Day 10am-5 pm Free

Friday, March 10 Limberlost display 12pm-3pm Free

Friday, March 10 Storytelling 11am-2pm Free

Friday, March 10 Recycle Craft 10am-5pm Free

Friday, March 10 Kate Larson Lecture 6pm-7pm Free

Counting Sheep Breed Specific Yarn & Cloth

Saturday, March 11 Open to the public 9am-4pm $1.00 (6 & under Free)

Saturday, March 11 Classes by pre-registration 9am-4pm None

Friday, March 11 Limberlost display 12pm-3pm Free

Friday, March 11 Storytelling 11am-2pm Free

Saturday, March 11 Recycle Craft 9am-4pm Free

Saturday, March 11 Kids Fun Patch Day 9am-4pm Free

The Fiber Arts Festival will feature fiber artists of all descriptions. There will be vendors of all kinds of fibers, from the common to the exotic, including wool, mohair, angora, flax, alpaca, cotton, silk and even buffalo! Other related items will be for sale including sweater yarn, homemade soap, and equipment for all fiber crafting needs. This is an opportunity to observe fiber artists in a relaxed atmosphere and to purchase their products. Thank You to our Sponsors: Raymond James and Richards Restaurant.