Wool Fest’s 40th year brings crowds and loads of down-home fun once again

By Carolyn Reid

The 2023 Wool Fest is now a memory, and those involved reported a strong year once again as weather cooperated, making for the perfect atmosphere for the annual event.

Rich Bishop of the front office estimates nearly 30,000 came to the three-day event, and he said all went according to plan. He highlighted parking as going smoothly even as he reported cars being parked up the hill before noon Friday, an unusual event. One never-before occurrence: a 45-minute power outage Saturday. He said many did not notice the problem, but it happened!

Adam Hall of the Log Cabin reported records for his store being “broken left and right.” 

“I’m most appreciative to say we had a record number of volunteers helping us out,” he said. He also reported Friday was their “second best day in Cabin history, but quickly got bumped to third place because Saturday was the best day in Log Cabin history.” Sunday was their best Sunday ever.

He stated the Cabin has grown by over 150 anticipated customers over the past five festivals.

Bishop also reported “lots of vendors have already booked their booths for next year.”

The shuttle buses were as busy as ever, taking passengers who did not want to battle parking to the entrance of the festival. Demonstrations, animals, and food were in the usual limelight.

Hall, one who loves and lives Wool Fest, admitted exhaustion from the event, but that exhaustion did not hamper his enthusiasm one bit as he anticipates next year. “Until next year, I’ll rest knowing folks look fab-ewe-lous in their Wool Fest gear!”