Welcome to the 37th Annual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

It’s January as I write to invite you to the 2010 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, the premier festival of its kind in the world. Each morning as I see more lambs springing to life in the fields, I think of the activities and joy building to become the 37th Annual Festival that will burst alive in May.

This year, we are proud to host the Festival’s first blade-shearing competition, possibly the first one anywhere in the country in at least a century. Blade shearers are arriving from all over the country to clip fleece, energy-free, with hand-powered blades, in a public competition.

If you are new to the Festival, expect wonderful adventure and education in all things sheep and wool. The Festival Committee, has created a feast for the senses this year. Taste lamb, talk to shepherds, enjoy the many presentations and exhibits, and discover a multitude of opportunities to buy materials, supplies, and finished goods from more than 250 vendors.

Admire more than 1,000 sheep and then learn from the shepherds about 42 different

breeds in a living display. Watch the craft of sheep dogs nudging sheep into pens. Visit area chefs as they cook with lamb, and learn something new – the festival offers classes and seminars on fiber arts before and during the event weekend.

Admission and parking are always free. Come join us and enjoy the auction, ongoing entertainment and over 250 vendors.

Remember that we are an all-volunteer committee and we are always happy to have new faces join our committee either Festival weekend or behind the scenes during the year.

In Peace,

Gwen Handler
Festival Chairman

2010 Festival Committee

The 2010 Festival Committee list is also available on our site.

The Maryland Sheep Breeders Association

MSBA is an active organization, sponsoring the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, Maryland Wool Pool, Sheep Shearing School, Maryland Sheep News, various youth activities, and a variety of educational functions.

To find out more about The Maryland Sheep Breeders Association, visit the MSBA page.