December 18, 2024

Check out sheep events at the State Fair

Ewe don’t want to miss it

By Erica Quinlan
The Indiana Sheep Association is one of the oldest livestock organizations in Indiana. It was originally founded as the Indiana Wool Growers Association in 1876 to encourage local shepherds to come together to share ideas and expertise, to promote lamb and wool in the state and to educate communities about the value of sheep and the sheep industry.

The Indiana Sheep Association is one of the oldest livestock organizations in Indiana. It was originally founded as the Indiana Wool Growers Association in 1876 to encourage local shepherds to come together to share ideas and expertise, to promote lamb and wool in the state and to educate communities about the value of sheep and the sheep industry. (USDA photo)

INDIANAPOLIS — Sheep lovers can enjoy more than just 4-H and open sheep shows at the Indiana State Fair this summer.

Indiana Sheep Association is hosting several sheep-related competitions and events for guests to experience. These include sheep-themed competitions, vendors and educational opportunities.

“ISA is proud to bring the spirit of our industry to the fair, and this year we will bring it in the theme of ‘Art and Nature’ showcasing sheep-related art in the Sheep Barn and Wool Room drawn by Indiana artists,” said Jane Smith, ISA president.

Mark Your Calendars

• Aug. 2-18: Check out Indiana-made wool items for sale from vendors The Wool Room, located in the Sheep Barn, and Ewe2.

• Aug. 2 — 10 a.m.: Open Wool Judging and Wool Sale in the Wool Room at Blue Ribbon Pavilion.

• Aug. 4 — 2 p.m.: “Make It with Wool Competition” on the third floor of the Indiana Arts Building.

• Aug. 4 — 5 p.m.: Indiana State Fair Shearing Contest at the Champions Pavilion.

• Aug. 8-11 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Enjoy lamb at Indiana Farm Bureau’s “Taste from Indiana Farms” in the Fall Creek Pavilion.

• Aug. 18 — 10 a.m.: Indiana Sheep-to-Shawl Competition on the performance floor of Indiana Arts Building.

Sheep can be found in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion periodically throughout the fair for 4-H and open shows.

The 2024 Indiana State Fair Livestock Schedule can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2nfkt4df.

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Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor