Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival — Local services in Jefferson

I had an amazing time at this event! I went on the second day (Saturday), and enjoyed the cooking demos, the fashion show, the silent auction, and (of course) the vendors.

We brought a collapsible wagon, and our own food in a cooler, which saved our backs and our money (we did get cheese curds, which were expensive but totally worth it). Next time, we'll bring our own folding chairs, too. There are benches throughout the Jackson County Fairgrounds, but not always nearby or free--and we walked miles!

The vendors--yarn, craft tools, felt, kits, roving, pottery, craft items, etc., etc.--were more than willing to demo their wares. Two of my favorites were the gang at Susan's Fiber Shop (extremely patient with my ignorance and happily giving me an impromptu lesson in spinning wheels), and the couple at Snyder Spindles (also patient and offering an amazing array of handspinning tools). By the end, we probably could have used two wagons.

The instructors and organizers were obviously top notch, but it was the other visitors that really made the whole experience special. Everyone we met were so friendly, offering suggestions and opinions and answers and grins to the complete strangers next to them, all for the joy of being among fellow craftspeople and lovers of yarn. That, IMO, is what makes a great event.

Although we mostly stayed on the crafting side of things, the agricultural side was hopping as well. In one building, there were many different breeds of sheep hanging out, and the comparison between which fleece was best for what purpose was fascinating. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take one home. Maybe next year; I'll be sure to bring that...

Sally I didn't take any pictures of the vast selection of wool products there but it is absolutely the best to go to if you love spinning yarn, felting wool, need a new pelt, enjoy knitting or anything with the wonderful world of fiber. This festival brings the largest assortment of vendors with such a selection to choose from that you can start a whole hobby project and get everything you need or add to your already growing collection. The only thing I forgot to get this year was a basket big enough to store all my goodies in. My favorite are any of the vendors who sell Angora, yak, tencel, silk, or Merino in any blends. These are the softest and in my mind the prettiest of all of them but there's so many other options if that's not your style. Hundreds of different sheep breeds of wool, not to mention a display of sheep breeds, shearing demonstration, sheep shows, and newborn lambs every year. Just go to it if you are a...

Should be called Wisconsin Wool & Sheep Festival. As aspiring sheep farmers for dairy and lamb, we were disappointed that there was little on offer on the agricultural side; almost everything was catered to knitters and fiber farmers. We did enjoy the hall of breeds (though were disappointed that one of the two breeds we're deciding between wasn't represented -- Icelandic) and the milking demonstration, but were disappointed there were no farmers to talk with about the breeds, no farmers at the lambing pen, no opportunities to sample sheep milk/yogurt or meat beyond lamb burgers at the concession stand. Hopefully we can expect more of the agricultural aspect in...