SHEEPFEST STORY!

In 1995 a small flock of five sheep that needed to be shorn of their winter’s growth of wool was the nucleus of an idea. Two spinners invited other small flock owners to bring their sheep to the Denmark Arts Center to use the services of a master shearer.

They set up displays of knitting, felting, yarn, tools for wool processing, and books and magazines and invited the public to come and see the sheep being sheared. It turned out to be a lot of fun for everyone, but no other sheep came that day.

The next year the spinners decided to try it again, invited more spinners, had more displays and active exhibits. This time there were nineteen sheep in attendance and the 2^nd Annual Sheepfest was a bright, and noisy, and woolly success. Sheep came from all the neighboring towns with their owners. Fleeces were shorn, skirted, and bagged. The sheep had their “summer haircuts”, had their hooves clipped, and there

was a vet on hand to dispense shots and helpful information.

Each year there has been something new to see. Some of the spinners have been willing teachers. They have demonstrated spinning a variety of fibers like bear hair, wolf mohair, Angora from rabbits, and wool in many colors from different breeds of sheep. Visitors come each year from greater distances to visit the sheep and lambs, see the shearing, the colorful and educational displays, and to learn all about raising sheep and processing wool. The Shawnee Shepherds, a local 4-H club, has provided a wonderful hot lunch as a fund-raiser to buy some new equipment. In 2000, our sixth year, eighty-five sheep and two Angora goats were shorn.

The Sheepfest continues to grow each year and is always a fun day for everyone.

Anyone who would like more information about the Sheepfest can call Linda at 207-452-2687.

The Denmark Arts Center is located on West Main Street, Route 160, in the heart of the Lower Village.

Back

Home

e-mail