Then vendors are a very important part of Fiber College and in case this note didn’t find it’s way to your e-mail box, we wanted you to know:

We hope all is well in your world and that you’re enjoying a perfect summer month…we’ve certainly earned it and look forward to a long, Indian summer.  The planning for Fiber College has been going smoothly and if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the blog lately, check it out for updated details on all that we’re expecting this year.   Class sign ups have been very encouraging…to date we’re even with last year’s pre-registrations and we have an extra 5 days because of the way Labor Day weekend falls…and general wisdom promises a flurry of last minute sign-ups.  That said, please spread the word in any venue you have because even now, many of the most interesting classes have yet to be filled.

With 14 days to go, this is the final push for media exposure.  You can help.  If you are a member of Ravelry (there are several threads already started that would benefit from your energetic comments) or any fiber related on-line groups, would you give your group a shout about the College?  Send them to the website at www.FiberCollege.org and tell them about the dates (September 10-13).  We’d be happy to handle all the inquiries that are generated if you’d prefer.   If these forums allow you to post more than dates or times, tell them about your booth and/or class because you are what makes the College so different from all of the other great fiber venues through out the year.  Along the same lines, if you haven’t already sent your interview back for the blog, please do it right off so that we can get you more exposure.

This year’s Shopper’s Boulevard Hours have been set for:

Friday – Noon to 5:30

Saturday – 10 – 5:30

Sunday – 10 – 3

Set up will be from 4:00PM- 8:00 PM on Thursday and 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday…all vehicles must be in the vendors parking area (or campsite) by 11:30 Friday…no exceptions. These hours were chosen to give everyone a chance to enjoy being on the coast and concentrate the shoppers into spending their time on the Boulevard before and after their classes.

When you come to set up, come directly to the information desk with your proper proof of insurance.  To obtain this paper, call your insurance agent for a certificate of liability for the Fiber College on Penobscot Bay and Searsport Shores Ocean Camping September 10-13, 2009.  Farm Family and Countryway Insurance companies provide these.  Many homeowner/business policies will also cover occasional off-premise events.

We will again be hosting a potluck supper on Friday night followed by a Fiber Potluck and craft book Swap.  For dinner, we’ll roast two turkeys and provide the plates, utensils and ice water…you bring a side dish or dessert to share and any other beverages you might prefer after a long day in the booth.  For the swap, go through your stash, your studio or under your bed to find treasures that you’ve long moved away from but that will inspire others to new artistic heights.  Don’t forget to look through your bookshelves and your drawers for books and fiber tools you no longer need.  During the swap you’ll be able to barter and trade with everyone present…if there’s nothing you like better than your own stuff, you can always pack your things away for another day or offer them as door prizes at the Saturday night celebration.

Speaking of Saturday night, this year’s dinner will be held at the First Congregational Church Vestry in the middle of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport…the change allows us to work with museum director Niles Parker and offer Fiber College attendees a chance to visit the museum and examine some of the textiles in the vast collection up close to examine the details of these beautiful pieces.  In appreciation of your support as a vendor, you will receive a complimentary dinner ticket and invitation to the private museum tour…if you need additional tickets; they will be available for the reduced dinner cost of $10 for the evening.  Simply let us know by September 7th the number of tickets you’ll need so that we can order the right amount of lasagna from Patty.

In recognition of the economic conditions you’ve been facing this year, we’d also like to offer you some discounted camping.  We have set aside the group tenting area for anyone who would like to pitch a tent for $10/night (hot showers are included!)…you can take care of that reservation when you check in on Thursday or Friday.

We’re so excited about the College!  Thanks for making it wonderful and unique!  You know, this year we’re expecting new people from as far away as Colorado, Florida and NYC…and many of our friends from the past years’ will be returning with their enthusiastic support…thanks for making this such a special event!

See you soon,

Astrig and the Entire Fiber College planning committee