Our Island County Fair contains a large display of Weaving, Spinning, Basketry, Felting of wool and silk, Surface Design, Braiding, Coiling,

Chairmen over the years have been Karen Yeager, Suzanne Dobrin, Sidney Sparks and Margaret Nichols.

Suzanne Dobrin, Rookie Superintendent, earned us a third place ribbon in competition with all fair booths and a special ribbon from the State Fair Organization in 2002.

Participating in the Island County Fair offers the public an opportunity to see and touch handwoven items and see them being made.

A loom is always warped (by Evelyn Boyd for years) for anyone to weave on, especially children. There is also a spinning demonstration.

Judging should not be viewed as a criticism but rather as helpful tips to improve weaving techniques. For the time and trouble to enter the fair, and no other expense (in fact you get paid a small stipend per piece), the weaver gets prompt individual feedback on what things worked and what areas could be improved. It's like having a private weaving instructor help you improve. Where else can you find this kind of help for free?

Being a judges' assistant gives you the opportunity to really learn about the art of creating. And each judge is different.

The guild gets the benefit of attracting new members and new interest in weaving and spinning, the opportunity to learn from the judges, and the opportunity for members to hang together socializing while demonstrating. It also is supporting the local community, will build interest in the guild sale and an excellent outreach program.

The chairman gets a chance to help the guild but only during a very focused period of time. As long as the position rotates every two years or so, it is not a large burden, It is a great position for new members as new ideas are needed and it gives you a chance to meet a wide variety of members personally.