Island Farm hosts annual sheep shearing day this Saturday

[photos courtesy of Island Farm]

Spring is here, and it’s time to shear the sheep! On Saturday, April 24, Island Farm will host its annual sheep shearing day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is $8, and children 3 and under are admitted for free.

Island Farm’s resident sheep will be hand-shorn at this event, just as they would have been so many years ago. The Island Farm herd is made up of two different sheep breeds: four Merino, and two Romney. In addition to hand-shearing, visitors can expect to watch the entire process unfold, from washing wool, spinning yarn, and weaving cloth.

Younger guests will find a large offering of toys and games, including everything from hoop and stick, quoits, and tug of war. Clothing typically worn during the 1850s will also be available for children to wear during their trip to the Farm. And, as always, there will be plenty of farm animals to see!

A living history farmstead, Island Farm is a tangible glimpse at coastal history, and the realities of life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800’s. In the 2021 season, Island Farm will be open April through November, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., where programming and activities will vary throughout the season. Admission to the site is $8, and children 3 and under are admitted for free.
The farmstead is located at 1140 N US Highway 64, north of Manteo on Roanoke Island.

Island Farm is owned and operated by Outer Banks Conservationists, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1980 to protect important natural, cultural, and historic resources along North Carolina’s Outer Banks through education and conservation. For more information, visit https:obcinc.org/visit-our-sites/island-farm/ , email islandfarm@obcinc.org or call 252-473-6500.

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