Photo from Log Cabin alpaca farm.
The Northeast Kingdom Farm to Yarn Tour has, for many, become a welcome sign of spring and an annual tradition. The Farm to Yarn Tour event began several years ago in Montgomery, Vermont, which is located just south of the Canadian border not far from Jay Peak. The knitters, spinners and farmers of the Mountain Fiber Folk Co-op started the Farm to Yarn tour with five farms in the Montgomery area participating in a one day, open house style event. Folks from near and far enjoyed the tours whether they were active knitters, farmers or just looking for a fun, family-friendly event. The event became an annual tradition, but there was room to grow. “Collaboration emerged between the Mountain Fiber Folk Co-op and the Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association (NEKTTA) and the event grew into a two day weekend event that now includes many farms from all parts of the Northeast Kingdom” stated Laura Malieswski, NEKTTAs executive administer. “It’s an event that truly celebrates Vermont’s agricultural heritage and it’s a great chance for budding fiber producers to learn how to work with fiber as well as what’s involved in the raising of fiber producing animals.”
Activities, experiences, and animal interactions vary from farm to farm. However, collectively, activities include farm tours, spinning demos, fiber arts workshops, a llama obstacle course, and the chance to meet alpacas, goats, sheep, angora rabbits, and other farm and family animals. Visitors will also be able to purchase fiber products including roving, yarn, and hand-crafted items.
As in previous years the event has grown and now includes farms throughout the region. Participating farms include: Agape Hill Farm in Hardwick, Walden Mountain Alpaca Farm in East Hardwick, Valley View Alpacas in Lyndonville, Tannery Farm & Boreas Farm Cashmeres in Danville, Maple View Icelandics in Westfield, Willowbend Farm in Island Pond, Cedar Brook Alpacas & Aramaar Alpacas in Irasburg, Log Cabin Farm Alpacas in East Albany, Buzz & Honey’s Fleecy Flock in Montgomery, Dillner Hillside Farm in Montgomery and Mountain Fiber Folk Coop in Montgomery Center.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with some of our regional farms” said Malieswski “and to ensure everyone has a great experience we offer people a few things to consider to include wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, being aware of posted signs and working equipment, being considerate of the needs and comfort of the animals and leaving your dogs at home.”
The Northeast Kingdom Farm to Yarn tour will be hosted on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, at locations across the region. The event is free. For a full listing of activities at each farm and to download a map of the participating farms visit www.TraveltheKingdom.com or contact the Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association at 802-626-8511 or toll free at 1-800-884-8001. E-mails are invited to assist@TraveltheKingdom.com.
The Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association (NEKTTA) has administered the regional marketing program for the Northeast Kingdom, since the organization’s inception in 1991. The organization provides marketing education, service, support and representation for nine area chambers of commerce and over 180 area businesses. NEKTTA strives to showcase Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom as a destination of choice for travelers. In doing so it is our mission to employ tourism to the benefit of our region by assisting in the development, marketing, and execution of experiential tourism products which will both honor and sustain that which we, as residents of the NEK, value most about our home. To aid us in our mission we employ the values and principles of agritourism, ecotourism and geotourism. For more information, please visit www.travelthekingdom.com.
