First fiber festival at Fort Delaware

By SANDY LONG

NARROWSBURG, NY — By itself, the historic Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History on Route 97 in Narrowsburg is interesting enough, but the various special events scheduled throughout the summer serve to increase its intrigue. New this year, on August 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will be the first Fiber Festival, hosted by the Barryville Area Arts Association (BAAA) in celebration of fiber and its many art forms.

According to event coordinator, potter Kim Lust, the idea for the Fiber Festival came about when BAAA members and fiber artists Sally Rowe and Daria Dorosh approached Lust to organize the event. “I quickly jumped on board because we have so many local fiber artists, farms and businesses without a festival to celebrate and promote this amazing group of people and their work,” said Lust.

Vendors will offer fiber art, handspun yarns, antique restored spinning wheels, natural fiber clothing, hand-dyed painted silk, hand-woven baskets, raw fleece and roving, natural felting supplies, looms and tools, hand embellished natural fiber clothing, quilts, crocheted and knitted items and more. Hands-on demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day (see sidebar).

Organizations such as The Woodland Weavers, the Milford Valley Quilters and the Material Girls fiber artists will also have booths. Live music will be provided by Peter Kolesar on classical guitar and singer/songwriter Janet Burgan. The Narrowsburg Fire Department will sell hot dogs and hamburgers and “I’m Nuts” will sell roasted cinnamon glazed almonds and pecans.

Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to take a journey through the lives of the first pioneer settlers and enjoy period-dressed interpreters demonstrating 18th century skills like candle-making, blacksmithing and textile-weaving. “It’s all about keeping history alive,” said Linda Dexter, director of Fort Delaware. “It’s critical that heritage crafts such as these do not vanish.”

Visitors can examine the many artifacts throughout the fort and its museum shop, while observing reenactors as they recreate a sense of colonial life. Small livestock, such as chickens and sheep, will be on the scene and the cabins will provide a snapshot of the types of homes settlers built at that time.

“My hope for this event is that it becomes a yearly forum to learn about, demonstrate and exchange fiber products and knowledge and to advance fiber arts and related programs within the community,” said Lust. “Our mission is to promote and support local and regional fiber farmers, artists and businesses and to spread knowledge of growing and working with fiber.”

Museum entrance fees apply. (Adults $7, children five to 14 $4, seniors 62 and over $5). Call 845/252-6660 for information on the museum. Contact Lust at 845/856-7398 for information about the festival.