Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival

When you ask the average person what they think of when they hear the word “Wisconsin,” they will probably answer with things along the lines of cheese and the Green Bay Packers. For those of us in the know, however, Wisconsin also means the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, a 3-day festival full of animals (including my favorite, sheepdogs!) fiber demonstrations, contests, shopping, and so much more.

One of the adorable—and highly skilled—sheep dogs at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival.

This year’s festival is September 7–9 at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson, Wisconsin, and it boasts a schedule chock-full of fun. Along with the usual events one might expect to find at a sheep and wool festival, there are a few that stand out, including the Lead-Line and Costume Class. In this unique competition, entrants wear costumes made from wool—either store-bought or handmade—while leading a sheep through an arena. It’s open to folks ages “6 months to 100 years” and sounds like great fun for everyone!

For those who want to enjoy some art while they’re at the festival, the Cream City Rug Hooking Guildwill display Art Under Foot. Along with the gorgeous rugs, members also made a special display: 12-inch-square hooked mats with designs meant to represent certain song titles. If you’re at the festival, stop by and see if you can guess them all!

These sheep agree, “ewe” need to go to the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival.

In the realm of the more traditional offerings, attendees can enjoy watching a sheep-to-shawl contest and various livestock shows, or shopping at one of the hundred-plus vendor booths. Loads of workshops are available with instructors such as Amy Tyler, Jillian Moreno, and Kate Larson. Along with the usual yarn and fiber arts and crafts supplies, there are also vendors selling handcrafted goods including pottery, baskets, and much, much more!

So if you’re in the area, make sure you check out the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. And if you’re not in the area and somebody asks, “What’s so great about Wisconsin?” you can tell them that along with being the birthplace of Liberace and the location of the House on the Rock, it’s also the home of a wonderful wool festival full of fun and excitement.

Happy Weaving! Christina

Featured Image: There’s fun for all ages at the Wisconsin sheep and wool festival! Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival.