Second Annual SweepIn at Ozark Folk Center April 29 – May 1

“Most people, when they come into my shop at the Ozark Folk Center State Park,” says Shawn Hoefer, the park’s broom maker, “are amazed at all the different styles of brooms I make.”“I have to laugh,” He says. “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
 
The Ozark Folk Center State Park is home to the Second Annual SweepIn which is taking place April 29th, 30th and May 1st. This is a gathering of around 20 broom makers from 10 different states. And, they all have slightly different styles of making a broom.
 
The public is invited to come and visit with the broom makers on Friday and Saturday, watch various demonstrations, take a class, and buy some real quality brooms.
 
All weekend there will be art brooms on display for visitors to view and vote on for a people’s choice award to be presented Saturday at 4 p.m. Some of the art brooms will also be available to purchase. Along with the art brooms, eight of the broom makers will be offering their brooms for sale. Those wanting to learn the art of broom making will have an opportunity to purchase broom making supplies and tools.
 
 
Thursday evening after 5 p.m. and Friday Morning before 10 a.m.
Set Up Friday
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Whisks 101, Hawktails and Turkey Wings – $50 – with Little John, a broom maker from Wisconsin
1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Fancy Stitching – $35 – with Shawn Hoefer
Saturday
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Fancy Braiding – $10 – with Debbie Lutz, a broom maker from Pennsylvania
Broom corn growing talk presented by Bob Weeks of Oklahoma and Little John of Wisconsin followed by broom processing demonstration by Bill Soetaert of Missouri, and broom corn dyeing by Shawn Hoefer and Leesa Thompson of Alabama.
Sunday – for broom makers and guests only
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: The business of broom making – a round robin discussion chaired by Tom Shadowens of Kentucky.
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Tool Swap – broom makers from around the country have brought tools that they no longer use or that they have spares of. Now’s the chance to get a tool you’ve not had before, get rid of a tool that you’re no longer using, or find a new favorite.
1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Materials round robin discussion chaired by Shawn Hoefer.
 
“Last year, there were 17 broom makers all scattered about in pop up tents,” Hoefer continued. “We’ve grown and this year, we’re all going to be under a big top tent provided by Arkansas State Parks.”
 
Of course, there will be the regular goings on at the “Folk Center” with more than 22 artisans demonstrating their crafts and live music throughout the day.
 
Jeanette Larson, Ozark Folk Center’s Craft Director, says “We’re very happy to have the broom makers choose to return to Mountain View and the Ozark Folk Center. This is one of the many events that people – organizers, participants and visitors alike will keep coming back for.”
 
Admission to the Ozark Folk Center State park is $10 per person, $6 for children 6 – 12, with 6 and under admitted for free.  For more information about SweepIn, visit http://www.sweep-in.com. For more information about the Ozark Folk Center State Park, visit http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.