I arrived at 0900, and spent about 10 to 15 minutes waiting in the car line on Route 144. I got a pretty good parking place, and the weather was great -- cool and clear, low humidity. The chilliest festival I've attended so far, probably not even 60 degrees! I loved it, but I saw lots of people bundled up.
The sheep were very friendly this year.
And of course, the cutest alpaca I've ever seen!
An amusing way to sell alpaca roving! Please note that it is sugar free .... ;-)
I spent about three hours there. Enough to get a bit singed on the back of my neck, and I walked through every exhibition hall (4) and all the tents. I hit the main exhibition hall twice. It's always just jam-packed at the festival, and the exhibition halls are like sardine cans. When I'm looking for something specific I go into every stall, but this year, I was mindful of how much yarn and roving I already have at home, so I didn't open my wallet much. In fact, I only bought two things:
Some Firestar and a diz. The button is for the 40th anniversary of the festival. And that's all I really felt like getting. Every time I'd admire some yarn or roving, I'd think back to my stash, patiently waiting to be used. Perhaps I'll do the Tour de Fleece this year, and get some of the fluff spun up.
When I parked in the field, I made note of a few landmarks so I wouldn't have trouble finding my car. I drive a VW New Beetle Convertible. It's yellow with a black roof, and I don't normally have trouble finding it in a parking lot. There are a lot of Beetles out there, but I've only seen a few other that look exactly like mine.
The Boy Scouts are always the parking lot attendants at the festival, and I guess when presented with this chance they couldn't pass it up ... when I got back to the place where I parked my car, this is what I saw:
I'm really glad they did that -- otherwise, I might have seen the other VW somewhere else and thought it was mine!
I had a good time, and I really enjoyed the weather. It was so nice not to be sweaty and hot while walking around. Now I've got to use up as much of my stash as possible so I can actually buy something fun next year!
Don't forget to stop by Tamis Amis for Work-in-Progress Wednesday!
Wow, the two beetles must have had lots to share! :o) Fun.
ReplyDeleteYou spent lots of time there and little money; good on you, spinstress!
Wear your button proudly.
How fun! I would go just to see the animals. Especially the alpacas!!! Wonder if they could be considered a therapy animal?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lot of fun. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like such a fun day.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun time-- especially the alpacas and sheep!! I'm amazed that you were able to go and not buy a lot! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI dream of going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Fest! It looks heavenly! I think that roving display deserves an award for imagination. IT's a really cute way to package!
ReplyDeleteI went on Saturday, too! It was a great time as always. My niece was hoping that I would buy the Paca Pops because of the cute packaging, but they were out of my price range.
ReplyDeleteMD S&W is on my to do list... for "someday."
ReplyDeleteWe have Estes Park in about a month and I have been pulling together my shop for list. ;-)
I must agree, I have not seen many convertible yellow beatles. Nice job boys!
Love the twin beetles picture. I drive a mint green Prius classic (2nd year), and nowadays there are less and less of them on the road. Once in awhile if I see one I might even wave at the driver.
ReplyDeleteYou have such good self control at the festival. I need to visit it ... someday!