Northern Michigan Lamb & Wool Festival 2010

A Letter from Jeanie celebrating our 10th year in 2009: 10 Years and Counting!

Celebrate our 11th annual festival with us:

September 24 - 26, 2010

Ten years! Ten years of meeting new friends, fibers and skills. I remember well when we first started the festival. When this was just an idea. I told some people at a guild meeting, and some said they would help. Then I talked to Jim and Sherrie Bristol and Jim talked to everybody. The next thing I knew we were off on a new adventure. Not knowing whether we would pay our bills but just hoping for the best and going with an idea that seemed feasible. Not knowing the work that would be involved. Not knowing the kind friends who would help us get started and those who would help us carry on.

It has been a learning experience, sometimes learning by trial and error but still learning.

From our very first year our vendors were willing and kind enough to come here and bring their knowledge and love of fiber to West Branch and share it with our customers. The kindness of our vendors, especially those who have been with us since our beginning, or their own beginning, has really been a big part of our success. Caring about what you bring and sharing your knowledge with others really makes this festival special for many who come and see and experience the wonderful world of wool and other fibers.

Vendors have become teachers. Some students have gone on to become vendors. Many of us have learned new skills and found new ideas and return to teach others as teachers and as unpaid volunteers.

None of our volunteers are paid. Yet they come every year and give us their best and support us any way they can. The workload is carried by all of us, so if you see a volunteer, say "thanks".

I would like to say Thank You to All who have come and helped, by working, teaching, being a vendor, a student or a shopper. I would be here all day mentioning names but without the support of the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association, Sue Baughman, George Good, Doug Hoolsema, Pete Kaiser, Carolyn and Mark Kristof, Doug Padula and the American Sheep Industry, Mary and Duane Reinke, Dr Joe Rook, Holly Shaltz, Jeanne, Dan, and Stephanie Stock, Pat and Duane Tirrell, and Kathy and Gary Zeilinger, from our early years. More recently Teresa Harrison, Julie Hurd, Karen Oliverius, Bethany and Zack Shaltz, Linda Van Andel, just to name a few (and please forgive me if you don't see your name here - I know there are many, many more who have volunteered each year) this festival would simply not happen.

Our sheep health classes have taught many new shepherds, our farm tours have inspired new shepherds to learn new skills and ways to improve their flocks. Many demonstrators have come and brought their skills to share for free and inspire others to do the same. What a great way to share! Michigan State University has supported us from our beginning with animal health presentations allowing the numbers of small flock owners to grow and be able to promote sheep health in their flocks.

I would also like to thank the Ogemaw County Fairboard for allowing us to use this lovely fairground for our setting. We are here in the fall because that was the only weekend open when we first began and it still remains a very busy, beautiful fairground and we are lucky to be here.

Working with fiber seems to bring out the best in people. We hope our festival has allowed you to see new things, learn new things, meet new friends, and share information about skills and hobbies that bring people together and allow them to relax and enjoy themselves, learn about animal care, listen to wonderful musicians, and enjoy the weekend at the lovely fairgrounds. And while none of us knows what the future will bring, we hope to be here for years to come.

Thank You All For Your Support!

Jeanie Prentice

Naturally-colored roving for sale

Floor looms for weaving

Quality handmade spinning wheels

photos by Teri Dougherty