Gore Place, 52 Gore Street in Waltham, will hold its 33rd Annual Sheepshearing Festival on Saturday, April 25, from 10 – 5. Enjoy demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving, and gardening, on a beautiful 50-acre estate. There will be a large (more than 70 vendors) crafts fair, live entertainment, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. Wagon rides and museum tours are available (additional charge).
Shepherd Dave Kennard and his border collies are always among the main attractions. Once again, Dave will demonstrate how the collies control a flock of sheep by following a complex series of whistled commands. Every year, when the collies finally coax the flock through the obstacle course and into the pen, the audience gives the dogs a big round of applause!
Master shearer Kevin Ford will demonstrate the traditional way of shearing sheep with hand-shears. Kevin is one of the few shearers still practicing this art and it’s a special think to see.
Musicians, historic re-enactors, a puppeteer, traditional dancers, and performers from Circus Smirkus will entertain crowds throughout the day.
Admission is $20 adults and teens; children 12 and under (with adult) and Gore Place members are free. Food vendors on site. Free parking. No dogs or other pets allowed. For more information visit www.goreplace.org. There will be an additional charge for wagon rides and house tours.
