For the 2025 LA County Fair Lori of Khaos Crafts organized an incredible feat.  Inspired by the crochet canopies of Spain and Mexico she approached the fair about doing a community canopy.  Lori is no stranger to rallying community support for a fiber craft.  She is the mind and the hands behind Crochet Lab, a free crochet community experience hosted by the Pomona Public Library.  

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Teaming up with LA County Fair Organizers, Lori was able to rally hundreds of crocheters to create and turn in 12"x12" squares.  They made them at home, at school, at Girl Scout meetings and at workshops hosted by the fair.  Ultimately, she received over 1,200 grannies!  That's over 1,200 sq. ft! With all these puzzle pieces waiting to be assembled, she called out again to the community and they answered.  Crocheters of all skill levels came to the fair ground in anticipation of the fair opening in May to help assemble the crochet banners.  Every single square was sewn together by hand by people like me.  I meet Lori when I drove from the Westside to Pomona to help (and if you are from LA you know what a drive that is!) assemble what would become a part of fair history.  

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As the project developed into a stunning piece of art the decision was made to transition it from an outdoor walking canopy into something that could be utilized indoors so the intense California sun and desert dust wouldn't prematurely ruin it for future years.  The idea of crochet banners was chosen, and of course they had to be hung in the Home Arts Competition wing.  Each 6"10" banner is hung high the air where you can see both sides of every square.  As a result of this amazing project we now have a piece of art to display and represent out diverse community at the LA County Fair for years to come.  And even more importantly, new friendships and community ties were made.