Needle and Fiber Arts - Portland Agricultural Fair

Needle, Spinning, and Fiber Arts

THE DETAILS

Superintendent:
Janet Royce
thirdjane@gmail.com
860-301-8623

Mail Entries to:
Janet Royce
5 Bishop Hill Road
East Hampton, CT 06424

“Agriculture: Together We Grow Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture”
-Agriculture Council of America

For 250 years our country has had dirt under its nails, and we couldn’t be more proud of it! From backyard gardeners to family farms, agriculture has always been at the heart of our community. This year’s fair celebrates that rich tradition through the hands-on skills passed down through generations – the perfectly preserved jam, the prize-winning bloom, the lovingly knitted garment. Whether you’re a lifelong farmer or a first time exhibitor these exhibits remind us that growing things together is what keeps our community thriving.

Look for these special Themed Entries throughout the Crafts & Community Tent

Baking	Trashion Show	Canned Goods
Happy Birthday America Cake	250 Years of America	Victory Garden Pickles
Veg & Fruits	Youth	Flowers
Heirloom Display	Flag	Native Arrangement
Crafts & Collections	Photography	Needle & Fiber Arts
“Farm to Table”	“Spotlight on Agriculture”	a “Sample of History”

RULES

Entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
Entry forms must be received by mail, no later than Tuesday before the fair. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after that date. The committee will accept exhibits on Thursday, the day before the fair between 5:00-7:00 pm. No unregistered entries will be accepted.
Judging for the entire department will be on the Danish System (all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries). Multiple awards can be given in a class. Judging will be on Friday.
For Spinning: spinning entries must be 2 ounce samples wound in 1.5 – 2 yard skeins and tied in at least 3 places. Judging is based on consistancy of spinning, appropriate had, and overall quality.
For Fleece: fleece entries must be from exhibitors own animal and from this years shearing at no more than 18 months growth. Fleece must be clear plastic bag and labeled with breed and age of animal.
The Exhibit tent will close at 5:00 on Sunday to the public and to Exhibitors to prepare for 6:00 pick-up. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY INTO THE TENT FROM 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Exhibits must be picked up on Sunday between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Exhibits not picked up by 7:00 pm will be discarded. Any winnings will be donated back to the Portland Fair.
Exhibits will be under observation at all times during the fair. Security guards will be on duty during the night, however the Association is not responsible for anything damaged, lost or stolen.

2026 STATE QUILT CONTEST

Click HERE for more information

Celebrating 250 Years

NEEDLE & FIBER ARTS “SAMPLERS”

Samplers of embroidery, cross-stitching, or quilting were traditionally created as a “specimen of achievement” to demonstrate a person’s skills often featuring alphabets, numbers, motifs, and borders. Historically young girls created samplers to practice their proficiency in various stitches of embroidery and cross-stitch. Quilt samplers emerged prominently in the mid-19^th century and allowed women to showcase diverse piecing and applique often featuring signatures and commemorative designs.