The sheep and wool festival

AP Photo/Toby Talbot.

On May 2-3 the 36th annual Sheep & Wool Festival will be held at the Howard County Fairgrounds, right off Route 70 in Howard County (2210 Fairground Road, West Friendship, MD, 21794-9604). With over 250 vendors, there is a little bit of everything wool and fibers.

There will be spinning demonstrations, shearings, sheepdogs, alpaca farmers, even delicious lamb to eat. Classes in weaving, spinning, making jewelry, knitting, crocheting, fiber dyeing and more will be available. Some classes require pre-registration, information for these classes can be found on their website. Some of the classes take place earlier in the week, so look now to make sure there is still space available for the class you want.

Many contests also take place at the festival. There is a fine arts competition, Maryland Grand Lamb Cook-off, MSBA Queen contest and a sheep photo competition. Other happenings include gourmet food, a parade of sheep species, sheepdog demos and all kinds of music.

Lots of local yarn stores and related industries will have tables at the event. This festival only comes around once a year so if you are a knitting pro, or just a beginner, you will take advantage of this opportunity and check out this festival.