4H Sheep & Wool fundraiser a ‘shear’ success

4-H members Mikaela Stacey, Katlyn Wood, Brittany Wilson and Shannon Langridge were part of the team that held the annual sheep shearing, lamb romp, open house and 4H fundraising barbecue.

Organizers Patti Stacey, a PEC 4-H leader, and Bill Stearman, owner of the farm where the event is held, welcomed the visitors.

Both sides on the road were lined with cars in front of Bill Stearman’s Farm on Saturday. It was the 7th Annual Prince Edward County 4-H Sheep and Wool Club Fundraiser. Visitors enjoyed demonstrations on sheep shearing by Dave Jones, wool preparation by Karen Stenhouse and Jill Lavin and wool spinning by Elizabeth Rolston. Along with sheep, there were lambs, goats, pigs, cows, chickens and turkeys mingling around the grounds.
4-H wool and sheep club members served tasty burgers and hot dogs to the crowd. There was a booth displaying various hand-felted and knitted crafts available and a bake table with delicious offerings.
Organizers Patti Stacey, a PEC 4-H leader, and Bill Stearman,  called themselves a “well-oiled organizing machine.” After six years of experience, they know what needs to be done to make this event successful. Both expressed the potential to add a childrens’ area and other agricultural vendors and demonstrations in the future, but were concerned about limited space and time available.
To find out more about Prince Edward County 4-H clubs visit www.pec4-h.ca

DID YOU KNOW? – Bill Stearman explained that his family had always had goldfish in their watertroughs… this is because the goldfish eat the mosquito larva, which protects the livestock… who knew!

Romping lambs were on hand to welcome the crowd.

Karen Stenhouse and Jill Lavin prepare the wool.

Elizabeth Rolston spins the prepared wool onto spools.

This tired lamb was 4 days old. Mom was keeping an close eye nearby.

The turkeys put on a colourful show for the visitors touring the yard

These pigs cool off in the hot weather.