Annual Convergence of Everything Woolly
By ML Ball

Where in the world (yes, the world) can you find a Make it with Wool fashion show, knitting with chopsticks contest, sheep shearing demonstrations, lamb mac and cheese, and the local 4-H Club’s Leaping Llamas—all in one place? At the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, of course! Held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, this year’s extravaganza of all things wool and fiber takes place October 18 and 19.

Started in 1980, the annual event is now one of the largest fiber festivals in the United States, says festival director Nena Johnson. “People come from all over the country, as well as Australia, the UK, and Germany. We have 30,000 attendees, 300 vendors, workshops that draw 1,000 people, and up to 20 exhibitors showing their sheep and goats in judged competitions, all over two days.”

For knitters, crocheters, hand spinners, raisers of fiber-producing livestock, and wool fans of all types, the festival is largely about business, a sort of convention. “But it’s also so much fun for families,” Johnson says. “I tell people with kids to come on Sunday; it’s more relaxed. Saturday is for die-hard shoppers. Gates open at 9 am, but people line up at 7:30, and run to their favorite booths as soon as we let them in.” Admission is $15 per day, free admission for children 11 and under. —sheepandwool.com