Spring Returns: Sheepshearing, Wool & Fiber Fests

The annual CT Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival, Saturday, April 25, Tolland Agricultural Center, 
Route 30, Vernon/Rockville.
Shearing a sheep in spring.Rain or shine. Free admission; there is a $5 parking fee. Here is the vendor list as a PDF. No dogs allowed except service animals. The festival was started in 1909 by the CT Sheep Breeders Association as a program “to promote the keeping of sheep in Connecticut” and serves to connect people with fiber animals from rabbits and alpacas to various sheep breeds. Yarn, roving, tools, accessories, herbal lotions, soaps, local cheese and food and quality goods.
Knitter.

Food on site includes hot dogs, chili dogs, kraut dogs, chili cheese dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sausage with onions and peppers, Portobello burgers with red roasted peppers, chips, lemonade, bottled water and coffee, chicken nuggets, fries, fried dough, soft serve ice cream and sundaes. Live music by “The Fiddleheads” wandering minstrels playing traditional stringed instruments.

Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Waltham, Mass. Admission $15; free to children 12 and younger accompanying an adult. Outdoor farm festival with demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving and gardening on a beautiful 50-acre estate. Crafts fair, live entertainment, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. Wagon rides and museum tours (additional charge). Food vendors on site. Free parking. No dogs or other pets allowed. For other events coming up, see our Resources & Events page.

Editor