Copper K Fiber Fest kicks off Saturday

In her 13 years of selling and spinning fiber, Whitehall's Kami (Kountz) Noyes has met a lot of people who love her story of being a fifth generation rancher who raises sheep, spins and sells Montana raised wools.

She is now hoping to share her story by bringing fiber artistry back to the roots of fiber at this weekend's Copper K Fiber Festival.

The event will take place July 22 and 23 at the Copper K Barn located at 830 Point of Rocks Road in Whitehall, and is sponsored by Noyes of Ranching Tradition Fiber and Betty Kujawa of Snowdrift Alpacas.

"The Copper K Barn was used for a lambing barn when I was a young girl and holds lots of great memories. A lot of people get caught up in the craziness of life. A weekend in the country under the Big Sky has appealed to many," Noyes said.

Kami met Kujawa a few years ago at a Fiber Farm day event Noyes hosted at her home for area fiber artists.

"I asked her last year if she would want to jump on board with me to plan a festival. We are a good fit with my business being sheep and wool and mostly online. Hers being Alpaca fiber and she does crafts-fiber shows," Noyes said.

The planning process for the 2017 show began over a year ago, and Noyes is excited about the response they have received.

"We are expecting people from throughout Montana, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Ohio, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois and Canada. Having planned and helped start different local event I knew what to expect, just didn't expect people to travel so far," she said.

This event will feature 12 classes for all levels of experience. While the deadline to register was July 15, Noyes said residents who are interested about space available and cost after the deadline are welcome to contact her.

The 2017 classes include knitting, spinning, locker hooking, felting and weaving.

There will also be multiple vendors with fiber related products including yarns, wool, spinning supplies, tools, soaps and gifts. Noyes said the festival would also have wine and cheese from the Tasting Room out of Alder. The local food trailer Rockin' MT Big Sky West-Mex, and Grinders Espresso will also be at the event.

She said demonstrations would take place both days and include Crochet / Knitting Question and Answers, Comb and Hackle Blending, Inkle Loom Weaving, Arm Weaving, Spirit Dolls and Wet Felting in a bag.

The event will take place Saturday, July 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival is free and children are welcome.

For more information check out the website http://www.ranchingtraditionfiber.com or call Noyes at 490-3437.