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All events are subject to change or cancel. It is good practice to confirm events prior to attendingDescription
The beloved biennial Sheep to Shawl Festival is back at Sheep Hill!
This celebration of all things sheep, natural fibers, and rural artisanry features the farmers and artisans who carry on New England settler traditions and practices, sharing their own innovations.
You will be treated to sheep herding on the hill, sheep shearing by the barn, and natural fiber spinning and weaving demonstrations in our historic farmhouse. Local farmers and artisans will share their food and crafts related to rural heritage. Games, raffles, and crafts 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 in the 1800’s, especially during the “Merino Sheep Craze” years.
Proceeds from the Sheep to Shawl Festival support Williamstown Rural Lands and its public programming, much of which is free. Not yet a member? Sign on up to support local land conservation and cool nature programming.
Interested in helping out? Contact Kas at admin@rurallands.org. (Free admission and raffle ticket for volunteers!)
Parking at Mezze Bistro, Rt 7 pull-off, The Quilt Shop.
Site accessibility: Accessible public restrooms indoors. The site is half gravel and half grass on flat ground. Not all demonstrations are accessible via improved surfaces.
Certified service animals are welcome and a water station for them is available. Because we have live farm animals on site, please do not bring pets.
For questions about accessibility, email admin@rurallands.org.
Who
All ages and abilities.
