by Sara Dunham, shepherd and blogger
I love to follow good farmers on social media. I know you are not supposed to look at other people's posts and compare your life to theirs, but there is a group of shepherds on the east coast who seem to always be up to something fun and they are doing it together. Big fiber festivals, smaller markets, farmers markets, even trunk shows on each other's farms.
I'd see their posts and how they were working together and I'd think “I wish we had more of that here”... and then I thought “We have good farms, beautiful animals, talented fiber artists, knowledgeable shepherds... we could do that here!” It was also January and there wasn't much else going on so several folks got together and decided to create a winter fiber event and The Kentucky Shepherd's Market was started.
We met at the Harrison County Fairgrounds just north of Lexington and 18 farms participated in our February market. There were sheep farms, alpacas, angora goats, angora rabbits, llamas, a natural dye artist, a fiber tool supplier, lots of yarn, raw wool, washed wool, roving, felting products, a new fiber processing mill and more. The facility was fabulous and easy to work in and maybe the best part, a kitchen that was kept hopping with hot coffee, teas, soup, sweet treats... Insider info, Ed will be back for the November 16th market day!
The main goal for the Kentucky Shepherd's Market is building community – between farms, between consumers, producers and their animals and growing the market for local (and not so local) crafters who may not know there are great sources for fiber right here in Kentucky. We can all help each other whether through education, marketing, inspiration or just good old fashioned farmer and artist support.
Producers - The Kentucky Shepherd's Market is open to all Kentucky farmers and fiber artists who are sourcing their fiber from Kentucky farms. Our set up is relaxed and welcoming. You don't need a fancy display and this is a great venue for anyone who'd like to give it a try.
Fiber artists – The market is open to everyone! The November 16th market is a 'Maker and Made' market so there will be not only spinning fiber and yarns to make things, but also finished goods like hats, scarves, toys, decorations, pottery and more, already made, just in time for the holidays.
Come out and meet your local (or not so local) farmers and be inspired by what our farms are producing. Plan to spend some time with us. Bring your wheel or current project and if you'd like, a dish to share and join us for lunch. At least stop by the kitchen and fix a cup of tea.
The Fall Kentucky Shepherd's Market Day is November 16th from 10:00 to 4:00. We will be set up in the McCauley building at the Harrison County Fairgrounds on Hwy 27 between Paris and Cynthiana.
If you have any questions, please email Sara Dunham at thecrazysheeplady@gmail.com
or leave us a message on our Facebook page.
Find us online at www.thekentuckyshepherdsmarket.com.
