The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair

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. The fair has been held at the Cummington Fairgrounds every year except one. 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.