Williamstown —
The beloved Sheep to Shawl festival hosted by Williamstown Rural Lands returns to Sheep Hill on May 7 after a two-year hiatus.
This celebration of all things sheep and wool features the farmers and artisans who carry on the related New England traditions and practices, sharing their own innovations. The annual Festival also promotes artisan handcrafts and practices more broadly related to agriculture and rural living.
Save the date, Saturday, May 7, to visit us at Sheep Hill on Route 7 in Williamstown. You will be treated to sheep herding on the hill, sheep shearing by the barn, and spinning and weaving demonstrations in the historic house that serves as the WRL headquarters. Local farmers and artisans will share their food and crafts related to rural heritage. Games, raffles, and craft-making will keep you busy.
Sheep were an important resource in New England beginning with colonial settlers who raised them for meat and fiber. Most of the mills along our local rivers began as woolen mills where fleeces were carded and spun. Sheep Hill is so named for the sheep that grazed here throughout the 19th century.
The WRL is pleased to help further the traditions of wool craft and sheep raising, and many other rural living practices, in a truly appropriate setting through this spring-time festival.
Williamstown Rural Lands, 671 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown.
