The haircuts make these furry friends soooooo cute!
Queens County Farm Museum presents New York City’s only Sheep-Shearing Festival on Sunday, May 18, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Back for a 14th year, this spring celebration mixes shearing demonstrations with lessons on wool processing, yarn shopping, the brand new Animal Adventure walking tour, live music with Mama Jukes, hayrides, and other rural activities at this urban farm. (Editor’s note: The shearing demonstrations are scheduled for 11 am, noon, 2 pm and 3 pm.)
Although the grounds are open to the public at no charge, attendees are encouraged to spend $20 for an activity passport to get access to five fun, hands-on activities. They can choose from the following.
Seed Bombs Away: Make compost seed balls that explode (gently) with wildflowers.
DIY Tea Magic: Blend dried herb tea bags and sip the creations like a true tea alchemist.
Clay Creations (Pinch Pot Edition): Get hands-on with squishy clay to mold tiny treasure bowls—perfect for jewelry, trinkets, or just showing off.
Plant a Bean Dream: Decorate a peat pot, plant a green bean seed, and watch the creation sprout to life.
Colonial Pearl Earrings: Design elegant pearl earrings inspired by colonial style.
Woolly Wonders: Create sheep puppets and bring them to life with real wool.
Felt Fabulous Coasters: Cut, layer, and glue cozy felt coasters.
Butterfly Whimsy: Turn coffee filters into colorful butterflies that flutter with personality.
Yarn Gnomes & Their Secret Lives: Craft yarn gnomes complete with beards, hats, and mystical vibes.
Ojos de Dios (Weave Your Wonder): Learn the art of Ojos de Dios (God’s Eyes) and weave a colorful diamond masterpiece with yarn and popsicle sticks.
Why shear?
The festival celebrates an activity that dates back to when sheep were first domesticated more than 10,000 years ago. First of all, their wool grows continuously and shearing it is good for the sheep’s health and comfort. If not, the animals risk overheating, skin problems, parasite infestation, and even mobility limitations. Second, humans use the wool to create such products as clothes, carpets, gloves, and pillows.
The host
In constant use since 1697, Queens Farm is spread out over 47 acres. The Big Apple’s only working, historical farm features livestock, heavy farm machinery, planting fields, and a vineyard. The entrance is 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. at the Floral Park-Glen Oaks border. There’s a large, free parking lot on site.
Images: Queens County Farm Museum/Kirsten Luce