One of New York's cutest annual traditions returns this weekend.
The Queens County Farm Museum’s 12th Annual Sheep Shearing Festival will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 11am to 4pm. And it’s unlike anything in the five boroughs! This spring celebration features live farm animals, farm tours, craft and fiber demonstrations, live bluegrass music, hayrides, local eats and craft brews—i.e. upstate vibes, all without leaving the city (and accessible by public transit).
At this year’s Sheep Shearing Festival, professional shearer Donald Kading will give the resident sheep their much-needed spring haircuts to prepare for the upcoming warmer weather. If you’ve never seen a sheep get trimmed (see: TikTok), you’ll want to add it to your bucket list.
Once the sheep are shorn, their fleece is sent to Battenkill Fibers, in the Hudson Valley, where it will be processed and then returned to Queens County Farm Museum’s Farm Store in the form of spun, naturally dyed yarn. The purchase of locally-sourced fibers supports sustainable fashion by investing in regional production systems. Attendees can also enjoy hands-on activities with local fiber artisans who specialize in dyeing, spinning, weaving and knitting with wool.
Source: timeout.com
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: New York, Livestock, Goats & Sheep, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather