By 1812Blockhouse
Mansfield is once again set to host one of its most anticipated events of the fall— the Autumn Fiber Festival. Scheduled for October 19 and 20, this vibrant celebration of fiber arts will take place at the Arts and Crafts Building at the Richland County Fairgrounds, located at 750 N. Home Rd. With free admission and parking, the festival promises to be a fun and educational weekend for the entire community.
A Festival Dedicated to Fiber Arts
The Autumn Fiber Festival is a beloved event that brings together a community of artisans, craftspeople, and fiber enthusiasts from across the region. The festival showcases a wide variety of fiber arts, including knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, felting, rug braiding, appliqué, and dyeing. Attendees can explore, learn about, and even purchase high-quality natural yarns, fibers, tools, and handmade goods directly from the artisans who craft them.
The event will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. With over 50 vendors on-site, festival-goers will have the opportunity to browse and buy unique handcrafted items, materials, and tools for their own fiber projects.
Interactive Demonstrations and Family-Friendly Fun
One of the highlights of the Autumn Fiber Festival is its engaging lineup of live demonstrations. Throughout the weekend, vendors and experts will offer demonstrations that bring fiber arts to life, allowing attendees to see traditional techniques in action. For those interested in the origins of the materials used in fiber arts, the festival will also feature live alpacas, sheep, and other fiber animals. This offers a rare opportunity to get up close with these animals and see the natural products they help produce.
In addition to fiber-related activities, attendees can enjoy delicious offerings from local food vendors. Food trucks such as The Hot Dog Trailer and Oh the Go Gyros will be present, offering festival-goers a wide variety of tasty options to enjoy while they shop and explore.
Supporting Local Artisans and Giving Back
The Autumn Fiber Festival isn’t just about celebrating fiber arts; it’s also about supporting local artisans and giving back to the community. Festival organizers are dedicated to promoting fiber arts and supporting those who create fiber-related products. All proceeds from the festival’s raffle and remaining funds will be donated to local 4-H groups and Matthew 25 Outreach Center, a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need.
This event is entirely volunteer-run, underscoring its deep community roots. In previous years, the festival has not only brought together fiber artists but also strengthened local support for fiber-related education and products. This year promises to continue that tradition with even more to offer.
Looking Ahead to a Weekend of Creativity
Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or simply someone interested in learning more about this intricate and beautiful craft, the Autumn Fiber Festival offers something for everyone. From browsing the vendor marketplace to participating in hands-on demonstrations, the event provides a platform for both creativity and education.
Image by Thomas G. from Pixabay
