CUMMINGTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair (MWCF) is pleased to announce it will be returning May 28-29, 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While 2022 will be a rebuilding year for the event, the committee believes it will lead to more successful years of the annual event in the future.
“It is with much excitement that the MSWCF committee has decided to host its annual event once again,” said MSWFC Co-Chair Lisa Dachinger. “We anticipate being able to hold another high-quality event like we have in the past with vendors, workshops sheep shows, leadline, sheep dog trials, children’s activities and more.”
Many of the vendors who were present in 2019 have indicated they plan to be at the MSWCF in 2022. Additionally, many of the volunteers from 2019 have also graciously returned to ensure this fair continues.
It is important to note that the fair is still concerned about finances and is looking at non-traditional ways to underwrite the event. However, the committee wants to caution sheep exhibitors that while they are excited to plan a fair for 2022, it is anticipating not offering premiums for 2022. In the meantime, to help with rebuilding this fair, the committee encourages all potential exhibitors to assist with promoting the event.
Updates will be provided on the event’s website: https://masheepwool.
The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair began in 1974 with an idea presented at a potluck dinner at the home of Henry and Virginia Easterbrooks. The fair began as a spin off of a youth sheep judging contest. The main purpose was to have a statewide sheep show. As the fair grew areas associated with sheep were added; dog trials, vendors, sheep and fleece auctions, leadline and other fiber animals. As time has gone by, the lamb bits have become a signature food item, parking lots are full on both days, the fiber workshops are full of variety and people and the fair is still run largely on a volunteer basis.
–Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair