The Queens County Farm Museum’s 15th annual Sheep Shearing Festival attracted numerous attendees, who enjoyed seeing sheep and other animals, as well as various other activities.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
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The Queens County Farm Museum held its signature spring celebration, the 15th annual Sheep Shearing Festival, on Saturday, May 16, in Floral Park.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
In addition to seeing master shearers at work, attendees of the event also had the opportunity to meet friendly farm animals, go on hayrides, enjoy arts and crafts and witness and participate in historic demonstrations that brought the farm to life. There were also local food vendors, seasonal treats and creative activities available for people of all ages.
Sheep Shearing Festival attendees met friendly farm animals. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
There were plenty of arts and crafts activities on hand. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
“The Sheep Shearing Festival brings visitors into the heart of farm life, where they can engage directly with the work that sustains it,” Queens County Farm Museum Executive Director David Hughes said. “From live shearing to hands-on animal encounters and a dynamic lineup of demonstrations and crafts, this year’s event deepens that connection, celebrating not just tradition, but the creativity, craftsmanship and agricultural knowledge that continue to shape our community today.”
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Professional shearer Donald Kading provided sheep at the farm with much-needed spring haircuts. Professional shearers like him are trained to complete the process in an efficient and humane manner, ensuring the sheep can be healthy and cool throughout the summer.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Live demonstrations were also given in dying, spinning, weaving and knitting the wool cut from the sheep. Additionally, there were various fiber arts and showcases at the event, as well as the Queens Farm’s own yarn for sale and tours of the historic Adriance Farmhouse.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The Sheep Shearing Festival honors the 10,000-year tradition of domesticating and caring for sheep. Sheep shearing is essential in caring for the animal, as its wool grows continuously and must be trimmed annually in order to protect them from overheating, mobility issues and skin conditions.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The fleece sheared from the sheep at the event was sent out to Battenkill Fibers in the Hudson Valley, a longtime partner of the Queens Farm. There, the fleece is processed and returned to the farm’s store as sustainable yarn. This process supports both the regional fiber systems and the slow fashion movement.