(Lander, WY) – For over a hundred years, spring in Fremont County has meant gathering up the “woolies” for their annual haircut. The Lander Pioneer Museum is recognizing that heritage with its annual Sheep Shearing Day at the museum, Saturday April 30.
From 1 until 3 p.m. there will be shearing demonstrations, weaving, lamb burgers, crafts and activities for the kids.
The event is free and open to the public.
Sheep Shearing day is the first in the museum’s 2022 “Kid’s Exploration Series,” sponsored by Bailey Tire and Auto Services.
The series are activities and events for young people and families to learn about Lander and Wyoming history.
The sheep industry was a huge part of the county’s economy. Many fortunes were made running sheep in the area, and in Lander a number of the large houses in town were built by money made from wool and mutton. Many sheep wagons are scattered around town, a relic from the days when families had sheep on the range.
“Even today many people raise sheep and they are an important part of our agricultural economy,” said Lander Museum Director Randy Wise. “The museum wants to recognize that heritage in a way that kids will have a fun time learning about.”
Sheep shearing demonstrations will be held on the museum grounds, the Fremont County Fiber Arts Guild will be doing demonstrations of wool crafts in the livery stable, and there will be crafts for kids, and horseback rides.
The Fremont County Pioneer Association will be grilling lamb burgers (available for a donation) and hot dogs at the picnic pavilion. The lamb is being donated by the Wyoming Woolgrowers Association. There will be other activities as well.
The museum is located on the north end of town at 1443 Main Street. Call 307-332-3373 for information or visit the web or Facebook.
Check out the recent episode of Coffee Time featuring Randy to learn more about the event and upcoming Pioneer Museum activities as well!
