Fiber Festivals Begin with Shearing Season

There are many festivals and wool celebrations that take place in New England throughout the year.  Here are a few where you can learn more about raising sheep, fiber production, and processing.

Baby Animals at Hancock Shaker Village (Hancock, MA)
Typically during the month of April, visitors are invited to come and see the baby farm animals at the Hancock Shaker Village, including the newborn lambs. hancockshakervillage.org

Sheep to Shawl Festival (Williamstown, MA)
Late April or early May and held at the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation. wrlf.org

Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA)
Usually in late May. An opportunity to explore how New Englanders raised sheep for their wool in the 1830’s. The entire textile process is displayed as it would have been done in the 19th century. www.osv.org

Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair (Cummington, MA)
Held in late May at the Cummington Fairgrounds, this fair includes sheep judging, dog trials, fleece auctions, craft vendors and fiber animals. www.masheepwool.org

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[Photo credit: (c) Sienna Wildfield]

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