Planning is Underway for the 2026 Festival — Meet Our New Committee Chairs!

by Sarabeth Parido

Work has already begun behind the scenes for the next Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival.

The Festival Committee meets year-round to dream, plan, organize, and fine-tune all the details that make our weekend together feel seamless and welcoming. From coordinating vendors and workshops to organizing livestock shows, contests, and community programming, there’s a lot that happens long before the gates open in May.

As we begin shaping the 2026 festival, we’re excited to introduce three wonderful volunteers who are stepping into leadership roles this year. Each brings fresh energy, experience, and a heart for the fiber community.

Meet Our New Chairpeople

Contest Chairperson — Jenn Lampen

Jenn will be leading all festival contests, helping create fun, engaging opportunities for makers of all ages and skill levels to participate. Our contests are such a joyful way to celebrate the talent and craftsmanship in our community. Jenn’s organization and enthusiasm will help make this area better than ever.

Community Outreach Chairperson — Tamara Fitch

Tamara is taking the lead on strengthening our connections beyond the festival grounds. Her focus will be building partnerships, educational opportunities, and outreach with our Donate for Good initiative.

Fleece Show & Sale Chairperson — Cheryl Kersey

Cheryl will oversee the Fleece Show & Sale, one of the most treasured parts of the festival for shepherds, spinners, and fiber artists alike. Her work will ensure producers have a wonderful place to showcase their fleeces and buyers can find high-quality local fiber. This event connects farms directly with makers, and we’re thrilled to have Cheryl guiding it forward.

Our festival has always been powered by volunteers who love sheep, wool, and the friendships formed around them. These three chairs join a dedicated committee that spends countless hours planning so that when May arrives, all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

We can’t wait to share more updates as planning continues. The 2026 festival is already taking shape, and it’s going to be another wonderful celebration of fiber, farming, and community.

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Sarabeth Parido, is the Director of the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival and The Kentucky Fiber Trail. She raises her own small flock of sheep in Clark County, Kentucky along with

her husband and four sons.