Oxford Fiber Festival returns to Powerhouse with vendors and workshops

The oldest continual fiber festival in Mississippi will return to the Powerhouse Community Arts Center later this month, bringing vendors, classes and expanded small business programming to Lafayette County residents. The festival’s market will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 and 24, with no entrance fee and free activities for families and visitors.

Organizers say the two-day market will feature more than 20 in-person vendors and a lineup of workshops, speakers and hands-on events. Featured speakers include award-winning fiber artist Coulter Fussell, while makers such as Justin Near from Nashville will present new workshops and lectures, including drop spindle techniques and yarn upcycling from sweaters. Local artist Andi Bedsworth returns as a vendor and will teach an embroidered bracelet class, and Camille Breckenridge expands needlepoint offerings to include both a 101 and a 102 class for more advanced stitches. In-person classes are listed at OxfordFiberFestival.com/classes and will run alongside market hours.

“This is going to be a great one,” says Program Director Stacey Sanford, noting the return of free children’s programming, the popular Festival Crawl and a Dedicated Spouse Parking area stocked with comfy seats, donuts and free coffee. Sanford also highlighted additions to the curriculum: “I am delighted with our new classes this year,” Sanford said, and said the festival’s growth is steady: “We continue to grow, and our festival reflects that year after year.”

New vendors joining the festival this year include Mulberry Cottage Industries from Pontotoc, Wool Market Fibers from the Mississippi Coast, The Woodshop from Brandon and MS Garden Gallery from Oxford. The market and classes aim to serve both hobbyists and artisans who sell at craft fairs or operate small fiber businesses.

Beyond weekend activities, organizers expanded professional development offerings designed to help makers turn a hobby into a sustainable enterprise. On Jan. 21 the Oxford Fiber Festival partners with the Big Bad Business series to hold free classes and lectures at the Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library open to anyone with a small business or who is looking to grow one. Local artists and authors will speak on topics such as self-publishing and creating dynamic social media content. “This is really where our festival is shining this year,” Sanford said. “These niche skills really drive a hobby from a small business into a big business, and we are honored to be bringing that type of programming to the festival weekend.”

For Lafayette County the festival mixes cultural tourism, family-friendly programming and targeted business training. Residents can attend free market events, sample classes, and access practical sessions meant to strengthen local creative entrepreneurship. For schedules, vendor lists and class registration, visit OxfordFiberFestival.com, AllYallFiber.org or follow OxfordFiberFest on Instagram.