2024 Schedule

What is Sheep to Shawl?

This celebration of all things sheep, natural fibers, and rural artisanry features the farmers and artisans who carry on New England settler traditions and practices, sharing their own innovations.

Sheep grazing in a pasture on undulating landscape, a fence is visible and glint of sun — Sheep on Sheep Hill in the old days

You will be treated to sheep herding on the hill, sheep shearing by the barn, and natural fiber spinning and weaving demonstrations in our historic farmhouse. Local farmers and artisans will share their food and crafts related to rural heritage. Games, raffles, and crafts will keep you busy.

Sheep were an important resource in New England, beginning with colonial settlers who raised them for meat and fiber. Most of the mills along our local rivers began as woolen mills where fleeces were carded and spun. Sheep Hill is so named for the sheep that grazed here in the 1800’s, especially during the “Merino Sheep Craze” years.

Festival Information

Two men, one in a cowboy hat, at a metal forge with several children looking on, in the bay of a garage. — Art and Ken at the forge

Suggested donation for entry to Sheep to Shawl are $7 individual /$15 family for non-members, and less for members. Noone, however, will be turned away. Arrive by bicycle to get a deep sheep discount! Also, admission is free for those purchasing a new WRL membership at the gate! Admission gets you a raffle ticket, and you may dramatically increase your chances to win lovely prize baskets from participating vendors.

Proceeds from the Sheep to Shawl Festival support Williamstown Rural Lands and its public programming, much of which is free. Not yet a member? Sign on up to support local land conservation and cool nature programming.

Interested in helping out? Contact admin@rurallands.org. (Free admission and raffle ticket for volunteers!)

Parking at Mezze Bistro, Rt 7 pull-off, The Quilt Shop.

Site accessibility: Accessible public restrooms indoors. The site is half gravel and half grass on flat ground. Not all demonstrations are accessible via improved surfaces.

Certified service animals are welcome and a water station for them is available. Because we have live farm animals on site, please do not bring pets.

For questions about accessibility, email admin@rurallands.org.

We are so pleased to let you know that this program is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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