The Art on the Prairie Umbrella will stretch into the spring months for the very first time with the announcement of Perry’s Fiber Art Fair Saturday May 6 th at 4 different locations in Perry. Jenny Eklund is one of the main organizers of the event that is building momentum on a state wide level very quickly.

“It all started with having several vendors, artists, and demonstrators at our LaPost Building. After we asked city council for a favor, word got out and eventually the Iowa Quilters Guild contacted us and asked if they could be a part of this event. So now on that one day in May, Perry will be the home to weavers, quilters, knitters and embroidery along with spinning demonstrations.”

In order to provide a unique touch, the favor Eklund asked of the Perry city council was to allow all 76 light post in downtown Perry to be decorated with fiber art. Both the city council and the public have responded.

“We are going to decorate every light pole in downtown with a quilted light pole warmer, all hand made by volunteers in the area. The pole warmers that we need to be knitted or crocheted are about 8 to 10 inches wide and 8 feet long. Today, we have 66 light pole warmers and would love to have around 76. If we go over that’s ok because we can decorate trees and park benches as well.”

Volunteers are asked to contact Eklund if you are interested in helping with the knitting or crocheting of light pole warmers.