First thing’s first: What is the NY Fiber Trail?
A self-guided tourism experience centered around yarn, fiber and fiber crafts. Participants will have from May 1 to October 31, 2026 to visit as many shops/fiber farms along the trail as possible. At each participating shop they can pick up a passport, then have it stamped at every shop they visit. At the end of the season they can send their stamped passport in for a chance to win fibery prizes.
What are the benefits to my shop?
This season-long event will promote your business and encourage customers from all over the state to visit your shop. The NY Fiber Trail website is up year-round with information about participating shops that will encourage patronage to your business all year, not just in the summer. We are hopeful that this will be a boost to business as well as a way for new customers to find you all year long.
What are the benefits to my community?
We are aiming to not just promote your shop, but your community as well. We are encouraging people to shop, eat and stay in your community. On regional pages on the NY Fiber Trail website, we will list the most interesting places to visit in your community. We hope visitors will plan a day (or two) around coming to your shop and patronize all your favorite places!
How much will this cost my shop?
Nothing! We have applied for grants to cover print marketing costs, website development, advertising and all other costs related to getting the NY Fiber Trail up and running. In future years there may be a minimal fee for shops to participate, along with optional sponsorship opportunities. We will keep this cost as low as possible while aiming to cover expenses. This is not a money-making endeavor for us, we just love the vibrant NY fiber community & industry want to get people visiting your businesses!
What extra work will I have to do?
We’re keeping it as simple as possible! You will give out passports to customers just starting the trail, stamp passports of those visiting with passports and get the word out about the NY Fiber Trail and your favorite local businesses. We will provide you with the stamps, stamp pads, passports, marketing materials and Instagram/Facebook post templates.
Is there a fee for customer participants?
No! This is completely free for customers to participate in. In future years, there may be options for buying NY Fiber Trail merch, but this year we are keeping it simple.
What geographic area of NY will the trail cover?
The trail is meant to cover all of NY! We welcome any fiber-centric business in NY to apply to be included.
Who is behind the NY Fiber Trail?
The NY Fiber Trail was founded by Jessie McNaughton of Lift Bridge Yarns & Pam Renfro of the Fairport Perinton Partnership who were the organizers of the NY Fiber Trail until 2025. In 2026, NY Fiber Trail was acquired by The Hudson Valley Textile Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen the Northeast natural fiber industry. We love the vibrant and varied fiber community and industry in New York and are hopeful that we can help support and grow the amazing local businesses that have sprung up around New York State wool, yarn and fiber.
Similar Successful Events
(Information & links from knittersreview.com)
If you’re not already a participant & would like to join the trail, please fill out THIS Google form. Once we have your information we will add your shop to our website and get you passports, stamps and marketing materials. We hope you will join us!
Reach out and let us know if you have more questions, comments or suggestions.
