Sheep Dog Herding and Flyball
Working Sheepdog Demonstrations
Saturday & Sunday ~ 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm ~ Field Area
Once again we are pleased to present Working Sheepdog Demonstrations featuring
Nathan Mooney of Carlisle, PA. Nathan became interested in Border Collies
in 1985, after retiring from 18 years of professional rodeoing as a calf
roper. Nathan saw his first sheepdog trial that year in Fair Hill, Maryland
and decided to become involved with this fine breed of dogs. Nathan currently
breeds and trains Border Collies for farm use and trial competition. Also,
he competes in sheepdog trials throughout the United States and Canada,
and is a past president of the US Border Collie Handler Association. Nathan
and his dogs will amaze you with their skill and ability, working in partnership
to maneuver the sheep around the arena.
Flyball Demonstrations
Sunday ~ 11:20 am & 1:20 pm ~ Field Area
What is Flyball? Flyball is a fast-paced sport for dogs which rewards speed,
enthusiasm and teamwork. You will see dogs of many breeds competing with
their handlers in an exciting team relay race. Don't miss this fun-filled
demonstration of canine competition
Sheep Shearing and Sheep
to Shawl
Sheep Shearing Competition
Sunday ~ Noon ~ Stage outside Main Exhibition Hall
Come watch the sheep shearing contest! Professionals who have shorn over
700 sheep will shear 3 sheep in a timed competition. Contestants will be
judged on time, appearance of shorn sheep and absence of cuts on the animal.
Read about entering the sheep shearing
contest (professionals only)
Sheep to Shawl Contest
Sunday ~ 9:00 am ~ Pavilion - Note SUNDAY date
Sheep Shearing can also be viewed as part of the Sheep to Shawl competition.
In this contest, teams of 5 -- a shearer, 3 spinners and a weaver -- work
to transform a fleece from the animal's back to a finished garment in 3
hours. Shawls are then judged for prizes and later auctioned to the crowd.
Breed Display and Parade of
Breeds
30 Different Kinds of Sheep - No Clones!
Breed Display Barn
Saturday & Sunday ~ All Day ~ Barn 8
A rare opportunity to view over thirty different breeds of sheep in one
place. Breeders will explain, in their presentations, the characteristics
of the breed, advantages and disadvantages of the breed, and other pertinent
information. Awards are given on the basis of attractiveness of presentation
in the categories of Meat Sheep, Wool Sheep, Dual-Purpose Sheep, and Minor
Breeds.
Parade of Sheep Breeds
Sunday ~ 12:30 pm ~ Show Ring
The American sheep industry offers a wide range of genetic diversity. To
celebrate that diversity and showcase the contributions of different breeds
of sheep, the 1998 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival will feature a Parade
of Sheep Breeds that will include many rare and exotic breeds. As countries
from around the world have contributed to the sheep industry in the United
States, the breeds will be introduced according to their country of origin.
England, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Africa will be
represented.
Auctions
Auction 1! Feeder Lambs
Saturday ~ 1:00 pm ~ Barn 7
Do you want to win a blue ribbon at your county fair? This is a great opportunity
to purchase good quality feeder lambs. See the lambs when they are shown
at 9:00 am, and then bid on the one you want at the auction at 1:00.
Thanks to AUCTIONEER BOB MUENIER, 119 Carroll Street, Thurmont, MD (271-2800)
for conducting the Sale of Feeder Lambs.
Auction 2!! Spinning and Weaving Equipment
Saturday ~ 2:00 pm ~ Auction Tent
Have a loom or spinning wheel you're no longer using? Looking for a new
challenge instead? Now's the time to take that plunge! Come bid on books,
spinning wheels, looms, carders, shuttles -- everything for the fiberholic
except the fiber! Consignments accepted Friday, May 1 from noon to 4:00
pm and Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For information, contact
J.T. Hindle, LaPlata, MD 301-934-8306.
Auction 3!!! Shepherds Auction
Sunday ~ 1:00 pm ~ Auction Tent
Attention shepherds! Do you want some special equipment but hesitate to
buy it new? Here is your chance to purchase that certain something you've
been wanting. Don't lose out! Come and bid on equipment, tools -- all the
things you really want! Consignments accepted Friday, May 1 from noon to
4:00 pm; Saturday, May 2 from 9 am to 1 pm and Sunday, May 3 from 9 am to
11:00 am. For information, contact J.T. Hindle, LaPlata, MD 301-934-8306.
Auction 4!!!! Handspun-Handwoven Shawls
Sunday ~ 3:30 pm ~ Pavilion
A rare opportunity to purchase a handwoven shawl made from handspun wool.
Watch as the shawls are handwoven Sunday morning during the Sheep to Shawl
Contest, choose the one you like best, and then purchase your favorite shawl
at this auction.
Andy Cashman of CASHMAN AUCTIONEER SERVICE, New Windsor, MD (875-0272)
will conduct the Auction of Spinning and Weaving equipment, the Shepherds
Auction and the Sale of Shawls. We thank him for sharing his talents with
us. | 
