Fleece and Fiber Fair is on at Hallockville Museum Farm this weekend
RAIN OR SHINE, fiber art activities, demos, hands-on learning, local artisans and farm animals will be at the ninth annual Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair, May 19-20, at Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead. Hallockville coproduces the fair with Long Island Yarn and Farm in Yaphank.
One of the best parts of this fair, in my opinion, is the chance to meet the cute farm animals. The sheep, llamas, alpacas and angora rabbits are the stars of this occasion for it is their fleece and fiber that’s needed to make fiber goods – like yarn. You’ll be able to watch as expert herders and their trained Border Collies move a flock of sheep across the pasture; and see sheep and llama shearing. Shearing is all about the animals’ comfort and is typically performed in the spring so they don’t overheat in the summer months.
Visitors can also learn how local artisans craft wool and other animal fiber into finished pieces of clothing and art, and view demos of quilting, weaving and knitting; along with learn how plant fibers are woven into baskets and other functional pieces. Those who love to shop can have their day in the “sun,” too, as Naugles Barn, located on the farm, will be transformed into a fiber market to showcase interesting and handmade products. Food vendors will be on site selling lunch, as well.
Quite a unique experience this fleece and fiber fair is and so worth coming out to the North Fork for two fun-filled days of animal-wool facts, wool-based learning and, of course, to see some farm-cool animals.
The 9th Annual Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Tickets: Online, or day-of at the gate
631-298-5292 · hallockville.com