As in previous years, our display and demonstrations will be in the Creative Arts Building. Entries will be accepted on Friday August 22 and Saturday August 23 9:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. To see the Premium Book (State Fair and NMWT rules) online, go to Expo NM, click on State Fair, under Participate click on Competitions, click on Creative Arts, scroll down to 2025 Premium Books, scroll down to woodturners and click one more time and you are there. Starting in 2021 the NM State Fair Commission charges a $5 per person entry fee for all Creative Arts entrants. Our Board of Directors has again determined that we will reimburse the $5 entry fee to all NMWT members entering in the woodturning section. The State Fair is a fantastic opportunity to show the public some of the useful and beautiful things we create from a chunk of wood. It also provides an opportunity for us to promote the New Mexico Woodturners. Entering a turning, or any number of turnings, gets you a written critique of every entry by some of the best turners in New Mexico, and you may even win a ribbon or two. If you are a member of the American Association of Woodturners or become a member, (you can join instantly online) you can demonstrate at the fair. Our insurance for demonstrators is through the AAW. The State Fair provides the venue and the ribbons and the NMWT’s provide more than 460 man/hours to make it all work. WE NEED YOUR HELP The fair provides free parking, and free admission, and if you request it, transportation for you and your tools to and from the parking lot. Albuquerque Exotic Woods will Provide turning blanks suitable for turning tops, goblets, small end grain bowls, small boxes, bottle stoppers, etc. Or you can bring your own wood and turn whatever you like. When you are in the neighborhood stop by AEW and thank Ashely and Johnathan for their generosity The State Fair is a great opportunity to promote our organization, but we need volunteers to do it. Look over the sign-up sheets and then call me at (505) 400-0266 ASAP to ensure you get the time slots you want. The sign-up sheets will also be available at the July 5 and August 2 meetings. Entrance tickets, parking passes, Demonstrator and Video Monitor Information will be available at the September 6 meeting, however, since the Fair starts before our September meeting, I will contact volunteers who have ‘volunteer dates’ before our meeting, about tickets, parking passes and info.

Thanks for volunteering,

Bill Mantelli, State Fair Coordinator