Bellevue shears the fun at annual sheep shearing event

The day consisted of various sheep activities and pony rides.

By Stephanie Quiroz • May 5, 2019 1:30 am

Masses of people gathered for the annual sheep-shearing celebration at Kelsey Creek Farm on April 27.

The day consisted of various sheep activities including sheep shearing, sheep herding demonstrations and hands-on activities with wool from the sheep. Other activities included spinning demonstrations, children’s crafts, heritage displays, food and drinks, tractor-pulled wagon rides, meeting Kelsey Creek 4-H critters like rabbits and pony rides.

The sheep shearing is a traditional farm practice, according to the demonstration. Farmers gather wool for a variety of textiles. Each sheep produces 6 to 10 pounds of wool each year. The sheep shearing event originated in the early 1990’s. The annual sheep shearing connects to a 5,500-year-old tradition that originated in Central Asia when people learned to spin wool to make clothing and items such as blankets.

Kirkland resident Claire Cannon and her daughter Riley, 2, attended the annual sheep shearing celebration for the second year. Cannon said they enjoy watching the shearing and their favorite part of the event is the animals.

Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo Claire Cannon and daughter Riley, 2, pose for a photo while enjoying the sheep at the annual sheep shearing event at Kelsey Creek Farm on April 27.

Sheep at Kelsey Creek Farm received their yearly haircut on April 27. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo Star, a 13-year-old sheep gets a haircut at the annual sheep shearing event at Kelsey Creek Farm on April 27.

Sheep at Kelsey Creek Farm receive yearly haircuts. Attendees participated in hands-on activities with wool from the sheep. Stephanie Quiroz/staff

Photos by Stephanie Quiroz/staff Attendees also enjoyed horse and pony rides at the annual Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm on April 27.

Above: Attendees watching a sheep herding demonstration at the Sheep Shearing event at Kelsey Creek Farm on April 27. Left: Families watch Kelsey Creek Farm sheep receive their yearly haircut on April 27.