We are excited to announce the details of our 2026 Wool & Fiber Showcase!

The Wool & Fiber Showcase celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship of natural fiber at every stage — from fleece to handspun yarn to finished garments. 

In order to encourage learning and participation from shepherds, spinners, fiber artists, as well as all attendees, the festival has shifted from a competition format to a showcase that welcomes all levels of participation. It is our intention to highlight the beauty of fiber and the skill of fiber artists of all ages and background.   

Entries are welcome from participants of all experience levels, from first-time exhibitors to experienced fiber artists.

Whether you are an experienced shepherd or a first-time exhibitor, we warmly encourage you to participate.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Commercial West Building, Monroe County Fairgrounds

Entry Submission Time: Friday, 2 pm to 4 pm ONLY

Time of Evaluation: 10 am on Saturday. After all entries are evaluated, the fiber specialist will speak publicly about each entry and its evaluation. This public engagement will begin at approximately 11:30 AM. At that time, individuals may pose questions to the specialist about the entries. 

Entry Pickup: Entries MUST be picked up by 3 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026
Fiber specialist(s): TBA

WOOL & FIBER SHOWCASE CATEGORIES
Fleece
Raw fleece from sheep or other fiber animals.
Examples may include sheep wool, alpaca, llama, mohair or other natural fibers.
Entries will be evaluated for their conformation to the breed standard and also their suitability to hand-spinning.

Handspun Yarn
Handspun skeins created from natural fiber
Any spinning style or fiber preparation is welcome.
Entries will be evaluated for their conformation to the style and fiber preparation chosen by the applicant, as well as their suitability to knitting, crochet, and weaving.

Finished Fiber Items
Items made with natural fiber yarn or textiles. Must be handspun, either by the entrant or by another individual specified on the entry. Examples include garments, accessories, woven items, felted work, and other fiber arts.
Note: woven items may use commercial yarn for warp only.

Recognition

Each entry will receive a written evaluation from our fiber specialist.

The fiber specialist may also note entries that deserve special recognition. There may be multiple recognitions in each category. These designations will be displayed with the entries for the remainder of the show.

Fiber Excellence
Recognizes an outstanding example of fleece, handspun yarn, or finished fiber work.

Shepherd’s Choice
Recognizes a fleece that reflects exceptional care in breeding, raising, and preparation.

Maker’s Choice
Recognizes exceptional craftsmanship in handspun yarn or finished fiber items.

Spinner’s Delight
Recognizes a fleece or handspun yarn that would be especially enjoyable to spin or work with, based on qualities such as preparation, handle, and fiber character.

Breed Ambassador
Recognizes a fleece that beautifully represents the distinctive qualities of its sheep breed and helps visitors learn about the diversity of wool.

Emerging Fiber Artist
Recognizes a newer shepherd, spinner, or fiber artist whose entry shows promise and enthusiasm for working with natural fiber.

First-Time Exhibitor
Recognizes an individual who has not previously entered a wool or fiber competition in Indiana.

Young Creator’s Choice
Recognizes an exhibitor under the age of 21.

People’s Choice
Selected by visitors to the show as their favorite entry.

SHOWCASE GUIDELINES

• Entries must be made from natural fibers.
• Fleeces should be clean and reasonably skirted and shorn within the last year, folded with cut side visible so staple structure can be easily examined.
• Handspun skeins should be securely tied in at least four places.
• Finished items must be the work of the exhibitor.
• Entries will be displayed during the festival and handled with care.
• Items must be picked up at the close of the festival unless prior arrangements are made.
• Pictures of all entries may be used for promotional purposes in both printed and social media advertisements.

To complete the on-line Showcase Exhibitor Form, please click here.

To download the Entry Form to print and fill out, click here.

We look forward to your entries in this year’s showcase!
Early submission of entries is appreciated by not required.