Gifts & Thanks
The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is a non-profit volunteer committee of the Maryland Sheep Breeders Association. We appreciate the following support:
Jane Hyland Memorial Awards
Jane was a talented spinner who valued quality fleeces. Her long involvement with the Festival as a volunteer and a participant is honored by her family through the following awards:
Fleece Show & Sale
Jane Hyland Memorial: Best Natural Colored Spinning Fleece - $50
Jane Hyland Memorial: Best White Wool Spinning Fleece - $50
Sheep to Shawl Competition
Jane Hyland Memorial: Best Spinning Team - $150
Fifth Annual Mamie Francis Blanket Competition
A $5,000 endowment funds a $500 Grand Prize Award in the Mamie Francis Blanket Competition. Mamie was a weaver of small blankets or lap robes. She is remembered by her husband, daughter and three sons with this endowment. This $500 prize was awarded to Peggy Hart in 2007. Contributing $100 each for additional prizes in this competition are:
Design Source (distributor of Manos Yarns)
Harrisville Designs, Interweave Press
The Mannings.
The “FREDDIE” Award
2008 marks the 14th annual “Freddie” Award. This cash award goes to the weaver of the most creative handwoven article entered in the Skein & Garment Competition. This award is funded by an endowment from the family and friends of Mary Fredrika Pfeiffer, an avid Festival supporter. The “Freddie” Award continues her encouragement of excellence in hand-weaving. Peggy Hart won this honor in 2007.
Pat Brown Memorial Award
To honor an ardent Festival fan, a group of Maryland spinners funded the Pat Brown Memorial Award for the Best Maryland Fleece in the Fleece Show. A Kent Island shepherd and critter lover, Pat Brown was a multi-talented artist. A permanent plaque is displayed annually at the Fleece Show.
In 2007 the Revere pewter cup and cash award were won by Lee Langstaff with a Romney/Corriedale/Lincoln fleece.
Special Thanks
Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board for its continuing financial support.
Howard County Fair Board for their ongoing cooperation regarding use of the Howard County Fairgrounds throughout the year. A special thanks to Fairgrounds General Manager Dick Mettee for his patience and hard work.
David Ashton and his staff at Ashton Design of Baltimore, Maryland for the catalog cover, poster and Cover Art Competition flyer designs.
Howard County Public Information Office and the Howard County Tourism Council for their help and encouragement in promoting the Festival.
Howard County Police Department for Traffic Control.
J.T. Hindle for providing his auctioneering services for the Club Lamb Sale.
Caroline Hussman for the TLC she provides.
Mr. Trawitz for donating the Maryland Lamb & Wool Queen’s sheepskin slippers.
West Friendship Fire Department for providing First Aid services.
The artists who graciously allowed us to use their artwork throughout this catalog.
Led by Maestro, Gwen Handler, these incredible people volunteer to present this Festival every year. Amazing what our volunteers pull together!