The Monroe County Basket Club has been meeting at the Monroe County Extension office for approximately 3 years.  The basket club participants were 4 members of other Monroe County Extension Homemaker clubs that all shared a passion for basket weaving.  In the fall of 2022, these four ladies felt it was time to expand.  A new FCS/4-H agent had just been hired so the time was right.   

With the help of basket enthusiasts from another county, they met with extension staff to discuss forming an official homemakers club and plan a weaving event to be held in Monroe County in the spring of 2023.   

Plans began for the 1st Spring Weave to be held in Monroe County on March 31-April 1 at the Monroe County Extension Office.  The committee, along with extension staff, worked to make sure this event was a success.  Instructors were secured from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.  Local radio, newspaper, social media, and word of mouth quickly created a frenzy of excitement.  As the event grew closer, registration filled with 40 basket weavers from 11 counties in Kentucky, various areas in Tennessee, and as far away as Illinois.  Not only were the weavers from other areas, but they were also from various age ranges from 12 years old to over 90 years old.  This event put approximately $3000 in the economy- which is a great boost in a county the size of Monroe County.  Also, many participants said they plan to return to visit the other attractions in our county later.   

Not only was The Spring Weave a tremendous success, but also the basket club is growing.  The Monroe County Extension Basket Club held its monthly meeting Saturday, April 8, 2023, with 18 members in attendance. The Basket Club is gaining membership from younger demographics and the more seasoned homemakers.    

The Monroe County Basket Club is working, in partnership with the extension staff and community, to bring awareness to homemakers, extension, and Monroe County.