Volunteer Guide
Thank you for volunteering with Philly Fiber Fest! Your time and energy help make this event possible, from welcoming visitors and supporting vendors to keeping workshops running smoothly.
You're an important part of bringing Pennsylvania's fiber community together.
Please read this guide before your shift and keep it handy throughout the event.
About the event
PA Fibershed & Philly Fiber Fest
Our role: We will be stewarding the Pennsylvania Textile History, Fiber Art Exhibition, Demonstrations, Workshop, Kids Corner and Sensory Fiber Space … and so much more!
PA Fibershed is a Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a more sustainable, connected, and resilient fiber and textile economy right here in Pennsylvania.
We connect farmers, fiber producers, designers, manufacturers, educators, researchers, and community members to strengthen local fiber systems and support more sustainable textile practices.
The Weaving Circle Marketplace
Our role: We will be curating the 40+ regional vendors offering fiber, yarn, roving, natural dyes, handcrafted textiles, wearables, fiber art, home goods, and more.
The Weaving Circle is a Philadelphia-based weaving studio and fiber shop located in the Village of Industry & Art at 320 S. Broad Street.
Together the co-founders Stephanie and Melissa, offer a fantastic array of weaving and spinning classes, workshops, yarn, and fiber supplies.
Contact
Robyn Dombey
Program Manager, PA Fibershed
Volunteer Coordinator
The Team
Leslie Davidson
Co-Founder & Executive Director, PA Fibershed
Festival lead
Rachel Higgins
Co-Founder & Director, PA Fibershed
Festival lead
Stephanie Gleit
Co-Founder & Owner, The Weaving Circle
Marketplace lead
Melissa Terrels
Co-Founder & Owner, The Weaving Circle
Marketplace lead
Nikki Bromberg
Development & Operations Coordinator, PA Fibershed
Festival co-ordinator
Event Schedule & Timing
Friday, Dec 4 — Setup Day
Check-in location: [INSERT LOCATION]
Your shift:
Arrival time: [INSERT TIME]
Expected end time: [INSERT TIME]
Please arrive on time and check in with the setup lead before starting a task. If you finish an assignment, ask what needs attention next.
Your shift:
Arrival time: [INSERT TIME]
Expected end time: [INSERT TIME]
Please arrive on time and check in with the setup lead before starting a task. If you finish an assignment, ask what needs attention next.
Possible tasks include:
Setting up tables, signs, and wayfinding.
Preparing the PA Fibershed welcome and check-in area.
Organizing the coat check, raffle, kids' corner, and workshop areas.
Placing supplies and materials at each station.
Assisting vendors with setup and directions.
Checking that signage and guest-facing areas are ready.
Helping with final walkthroughs and troubleshooting.
Saturday, Dec 5 — Event Day
Check-in location: [INSERT LOCATION]
Possible tasks include:
Welcome & check-in: Greet guests, answer basic questions, and direct visitors.
PA Fibershed table: Share information about membership, our work and ways to get involved.
Workshops: Welcome participants, check registrations if applicable, and help facilitators with materials.
Kids' corner: Help keep the activity area organized and welcoming.
Raffle: Explain how to participate and help track entries and prizes.
Silent auction: Share information with guests and help track entries and prizes.
Wayfinding & crowd support: Help visitors find vendors, workshops, restrooms, and exits.
Vendor support: Help direct vendors to the appropriate people and assist with simple requests.
Attendee counting: Track attendance using the assigned method.
Floater / general support: Fill gaps and help wherever the event team needs you.
What to Bring
Please bring:
A charged phone.
A portable charger, if you have one.
A water bottle.
Any medications or personal essentials you may need.
Lunch or snacks
Comfortable closed-toes shoes for standing and walking.
Comfortable clothing - we love natural fibers!
Please label your personal belongings and keep valuables secure. Storage space may be limited.
Map
Location
Venue: Village of Industry & Art (VIA)
Address: 320 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Public Transportation (Recommended)
The venue is centrally located and accessible by SEPTA, PATCO, bus, and Regional Rail.
SEPTA Broad Street Line (Orange Line): Exit at Lombard-South Station, approximately a 3-minute walk from the main entrance.
SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line): Exit at 15th Street/City Hall, approximately a 13-minute walk, or transfer to the Broad Street Line.
SEPTA buses: Routes 4, 12, 17, 21, 27, 32, 40, 42, and 45 serve the surrounding area. Check your route and stop before traveling.
PATCO: Exit at 16th Street and Locust Street, approximately a 13-minute walk.
Regional Rail: Travel to Suburban Station and walk approximately 13–15 minutes, or connect to the Broad Street Line.
SEPTA accepts contactless payment, SEPTA Key cards, and cash. Check current schedules and service alerts before leaving.
Plan your trip: https://www.septa.org/
Driving
There is no on-site parking at the venue.
Street parking may be available but is limited. Read all posted signs and restrictions.
Nearby paid parking options include:
Metropolis Parking — 417 S. Broad Street
Parkway Parking — 1501 Spruce Street
E-Z Park — 1400 Naudain Street
Biking
An Indego bike-share station is located near 15th and Spruce Streets, approximately a 4-minute walk from the main entrance. Please use designated bike parking and keep entrances and walkways clear.
What to Know Before You Arrive
Check in first. Robyn or another volunteer will confirm your assignment, explain your responsibilities, and answer questions.
Know the layout. Familiarize yourself with the locations of restrooms, exits, first aid, the volunteer check-in area, and the designated break space.
Be welcoming. Guests may be unfamiliar with PA Fibershed or the local fiber community. A friendly greeting and helpful direction can make a big difference.
Ask rather than guess. If you don't know the answer to a question, find a lead or direct the guest to the appropriate team member.
Respect vendors and their work. Don't handle merchandise, equipment, or display materials without permission. Refer sales, payment, and vendor-specific questions to the vendor.
Keep pathways clear. Don't block entrances, exits, accessible routes, or emergency equipment with supplies, coats, boxes, or furniture.
Be mindful of accessibility. Keep accessible routes open, offer assistance rather than assuming it is needed, and communicate access concerns to your lead.
Emergency & Safety Information
Your safety and the safety of our guests, vendors, and fellow volunteers come first.
Before your shift, identify:
The nearest emergency exits.
The designated first-aid location.
The volunteer coordinator
The venue's emergency procedures and assembly point.
If there is an emergency:
Stay calm and alert the event lead or venue staff immediately.
For a life-threatening emergency, serious injury, fire, or immediate danger, call 911.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel and venue staff.
Do not put yourself at risk or attempt tasks beyond your training.
Keep exits and emergency routes clear.
Report injuries, hazards, lost children, and other safety concerns to the appropriate lead promptly.
If someone is injured or feels unwell: Notify the _______ or event lead. Do not administer medical treatment beyond your training.
If you notice a hazard: Report spills, unstable displays, exposed cables, blocked walkways, or other risks immediately. Keep people away from the hazard if you can do so safely.
If someone is upset or behaving aggressively: Stay calm, maintain a safe distance, and get help from the venue security.
Learn about PA Fibershed
Philly Fiber Fest is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our mission and to share it with others!
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PA Fibershed is powered by a growing community of people working together to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient regional textile economy.
Become a member to access exclusive discounts, funding opportunities, industry connections, sourcing resources, and more—or help us grow our community by spreading the word and connecting others to our mission!
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PA Fibershed’s University Ambassador Program empowers college students to bring sustainable textiles, circularity, and Pennsylvania’s local fiber economy to life on their campuses and in their communities. PA Fibershed’s University Ambassador Program empowers college students to bring sustainable textiles, circularity, and Pennsylvania’s local fiber economy to life on their campuses and in their communities. You might even meet one of our student ambassadors volunteering at Fiber Fest! Get to know them, spread the word to a student you know, and help us inspire the next generation of leaders in a more sustainable textile future. Get to know them, spread the word to a student you know, and help us inspire the next generation of leaders in a more sustainable textile future.
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Discover the people and businesses strengthening Pennsylvania’s regional fiber and textile economy through the PA Fibershed Supply Chain Map! Many of our Philly Fiber Fest vendors and PA Fibershed members are featured on the map, so take a look, find their businesses, explore local sourcing opportunities, and connect with the makers behind the materials. You can even help grow the map by sharing it with others or adding a business that's missing!
Thank You!
Philly Fiber Fest is made possible by the people who show up, lend a hand, and help build community.
We're glad you're part of the team.
See you there!