The New York State Sheep & Wool Festival returns to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on October 20 and 21. If you’re among the many passionate fiber arts fans who look forward to this event every autumn, you probably already have your list of workshops to take this year planned out; they’ve been accepting registrations since June. Viking Knitting, Navajo Weaving, Tunisian Crochet, Bengala Mud Dyeing and a host of other exotic choices are already fully booked. But it’s still worth a look at the packed schedule to find out what openings are available.
Besides master classes for the truly dedicated fiber-crafters out there, this Festival also holds lots of book-signings and talks by experts in the field, live demonstrations of activities like shearing and spinning, the Northeast Angora Goat Show, kid-friendly activities such as llama parades, sheepdog demos and Mad Science shows, and of course, vendors of wool, tools and supplies for the hobbyist. A Used Fiber & Sheep Equipment Auction takes place on Saturday.
To view the full schedule, visit https://sheepandwool.com/schedule. Admission costs $9 per day in advance, $12 at the gate; weekend passes cost $17. To order advance tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2Ca9yTE.
New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 20/21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m./9 a.m.-4 p.m., $17/$12/$9, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave. (Route 9), Rhinebeck, https://sheepandwool.com
Join the family! 
