www.FiberArtFest.com

The winter is in full swing here in Michigan.  It is cold, snowy and did I say, Cold!  The lows recently have been below zero.  Around here, this is considered very brisk.  We buttoned up the barns a bit tighter to slow the wind down.  During other seasons, the critters seem to have a ‘personal space’ that they cannot invade.  However, during these very cold nights, the right for personal space goes out the window with the cold and wind.  In the morning, I see a pile of lambs and llamas in the back of the barn huddling together to stay warm.

Similar to last year, we started receiving exhibitors’ applications for the 2009 events.  It is great to see such interest in our two festivals this year.  I am updating the website in batches.  Also, I have been e-mailing or otherwise contacting the exhibitors individually to let them know they have been admitted.

Over the last few weeks, our blog has been receiving a bunch of spam.  I individually approve each message.  So, I am easily able to mark it is spam and then delete it before it even gets published.  I suppose it is an automated process that is doing this as it comes through about the same time every other day or so.  It is annoying.

We have received some ‘legit’ comments that were rather offensive and those were deleted as well.  It is amazing what people will post when they think they’re anonymous.  This blog software shows me the address, name, etc. of those who post.  If I had the inclination, I suppose I could do something more then block the post.

Otherwise, we have seen some great traffic for the website.  If the downloads of the exhibitor’s application is any indication of the response we will receive for our two festivals in 2009, the public should be quite pleased.

It seemed like 2008 and the month of December in particular flew by fast.  I have been continuing to talk to vendors and instructors about both shows in 2009. 

The Art Quilt Exhibit is looking to be quite exciting.  The quilter’s group that is displaying their art work is going to send me some additional pictures to post to the website.  The president of the group has guarenteed that they will not have any problems displaying their quilts within the space provdied.

Exhibitors continue to inquire about one thing or another for both shows.  Camping is available for exhibitors at the October show.  The June show, however, is only a one-day event and there really isn’t room for camping there.  Electricity for fans or equipment is included in the vendor’s fee but extension cords are not.  Water for critters is also available.  Generally, there will be people around to help carry buckets for the fiber critters.  For the June show, Side Track actually opens an hour early (10 AM) to accomodate patrons.  All restrooms are indoors.  (the question about the restrooms seems to be one of the most frequent questions)  Both festival venues are an outdoor event.   Parking is free.  Admission is free.   Hmmmm…. I think that’s just about all the questions I tend to receive.

We have very few 10×10 tents for rent.  We have been renting them for $25 / day which includes setup and tare down.  If there is more interest, we will purchase a few more tents for folks.