NAFA Northern Dazzles at FTA Convention
Evansville, Indiana was host of the 2012 Fur Takers of America annual summer rendez-vous. Over 1,000 trappers took part in the three day event held June 15th through 17th.
NAFA and the Wild Fur Shippers’ Council maintained a high profile with hands-on demonstrations for trapping. The indoor booth provided detailed information of grading standards and opportunities available to members of the WFSC.
The highlight for many at this weekend convention was a fur fashion show sponsored by the WFSC. More than 200 guests crowded into the banquet hall at the fair grounds to view the show. Arnold Groehler, Chairman of the WFSC, greeted fellow trappers and their families before turning the microphone over to Diane Benedetti, NAFA’s Sr. Vice President – Marketing, who narrated the fashion parade.
There was immediate applause as Miss Indiana took the first walk down the runway. The audience was also delighted with the mother and daughter duos who offered their services for this special show. Trapper Rolli Hess strutted down the catwalk much to the amusement of the crowd.hgfkitygfkyt
It was the stunning fur garments though that captivated the trappers. Sheared and long hair beavers, raccoons in an array of colors, bleached coyotes, vibrant natural red foxes along with a touch of muskrat and fisher were worked in the latest techniques in dressing and manufacturing.
One veteran trapper commented, “I couldn’t be sure what some of these coats were but they sure were beautiful!” All agreed that the work NAFA and the WFSC were doing – from collaborating with leading international designers to investing in the future of fur through Studio NAFA programs – was instrumental in keep fur in fashion.
