Inaugural PA Sheep & Wool Festival set for October

A new event will showcase Pennsylvania’s sheep and wool heritage this autumn through live demonstrations, educational seminars and family-friendly activities.

The inaugural PA Sheep & Wool Festival will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12 at the Dayton Fairgrounds, 1249 Route 839, Dayton, PA. The festival is presented through a partnership among Penn State Extension, local fiber artists and business owners in Indiana and Armstrong counties and the PA Sheep & Wool Growers Association.

The event is aimed at preserving and promoting the state’s traditions in sheep breeding and wool production.

Festival highlights include:

• Live demonstrations and competitions – Attendees can watch sheep shearing, fleece-to-shawl demonstrations, hoof trimming, herding trials and the Lamb Olympics

• Cooking demonstrations – Nick Forrest of the American Lamb Board will prepare lamb dishes and share recipes

• Sheep show – The competition will showcase a variety of breeds, with premium awards and a Supreme Champion title on the line; entries are open through Oct. 9

• Sheep snuggling – Visitors can meet and cuddle friendly sheep, including Valais Blacknose sheep

• Educational seminars – Sessions will include “Sheep Selection Process,” presented by Mattie Horchler, livestock Extension educator; “Wild Wonderful Wool” with Melinda Wamsley of Boss Mare Shearing; and “So You Want to Raise Sheep?” with Audrey Krzeminski, a shepherd • Artisan & vendor market – Attendees can browse goods from local fiber farms, yarn dyers and craft studios Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, including Yarn and Barn, Bronze Ram, Silver Shearer and Golden Fleece tiers. Festival organizers also seek volunteers to help bring the event to life.

For more information or to get involved, visit pasheepandwoolfest. com or email info@pasheepandwoolfest.com.