2025 Schedule
Thursday, July 10, 2025
moon hitch wagon Co. Tours
Thursday - Welcome to Buffalo!
Heart of Buffalo Town Tour
Limited seating (10 people per time slot) PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (link in bold above)
Tour options: Tour & Light Lunch option from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, $45/person | Children under 5 for $5
Tour & Afternoon 5-course option from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, $55/person | Children under 5 for $5
Friday, July 11, 2025
Sheep Trail Tours
A self-driving tour will be available in the Festival program for those interested in seeing local features and ranches throughout the weekend in the Bighorn Mountains. Listen to the recordings of sheep stories from the very herders that call these mountains home as you drive through, admiring the sheep grazing.
Mountain Meadow Tours w/ Moon Hitch Wagon Co.
FRIDAY - Festival kick-off!
Wool Mill Guided Tour w/ Moon Hitch Wagon Shuttle
Limited seating (10 people per time slot), PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (link in bold), Free Experience
train the Trainer- wool evaluation workshop, 1 pm
The Basics of Competitive Wool Evaluation: Train the Trainer
The Wool Evaluation Workshop is tailored for adult participants, specifically educators and volunteers wanting to start wool judging/evaluation programs, and/or serving as a judge at a wool show. The workshop emphasizes a blend of theory and hands-on practice to enhance participants' grasp of the key characteristics determining wool quality. Engaging activities, including grading wool, evaluating clean fleece yield, assessing staple length/strength, and employing comparative placing techniques, form a significant part of the program. Real-world examples from fleeces sourced nationwide will be utilized for practical learning. Registration link: https://bit.ly/wool-eval-25
Art & woolcraft opening reception- 5:30 pm
Come see the beautiful curation of art and woolcrafts at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. The show has been professionally juried, but some of the prizes are up to you and your families: People's and Children's Choice Awards (to be given out at the Sheepherders Come Bye on Saturday evening). Visit a working sheep camp just outside, while taking in the aroma of fresh Basque style lamb! Hors d'ouevres will be served (lamb, veggies, fruits, and cheeses; cash bar). These works of art will be available for silent auction on Saturday evening, during the Sheepherders Come Bye.
Historical Sheepherder panel- Begins at 6:30 pm
While walking through the beautiful works of art, enjoying Basque style lamb, listen to a multi-generational panel of Wyoming Sheepherders reminisce on the past, discuss the present, and gaze into the future of the sheep industry. Location: Exhibit Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
basque heritage wagon tour- Moon Hitch Wagon co.
Limited seating (10 people per time slot), PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (at link in bold)
Rides are free.
Basque Ball SheepDog Trial- 9 am (all day)
The 2025 Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival is happy to announce a second year of trials open to the public. For more information and registration please click here. Text Linda Lulias for entry at 307-217-1908.
Gourmet Lamb of Wyoming: Marketing Local- 8:30 am
Join Kelly Barlow, owner/operator of Gourmet Lamb of Wyoming for a discussion on marketing your lamb locally. The Barlows market all natural, grass-fed product as whole and individual cuts. Location: Exhibit Hall, JCFG
Vendor Fair- 9 am - 4 pm
Keep scrolling to check out the vendors that will be at the Festival in 2025. Click on the links to check out their websites and/or social media. To become a vendor or demonstrator, click here. Some of our vendors will be holding demonstration (spinning, rug hooking, etc.) while others will have educational displays or shops. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds. See Vendor Info Below!
Wool Education- the nuts & bolts- 9:45 am
Join Bryce McKenzie for a wealth of knowledge on wool. Have questions you have been wanting to ask? Bryce will be ready to answer them to aid in your management decisions! Location: Exhibit Hall, JCFG
The rug hookers
The Rug Hookers are back! Join the Rug Hooker ladies for amazing demonstrations throughout Saturday. These ladies put on a great show and are a great bunch to talk and learn from. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds
Art & Woolcraft exhibition- 9 am- 4 pm
Continue to gaze upon the beautiful curation of art and woolcrafts at the Johnson County Fairgrounds! The show has been professionally juried, but two of the prizes are up to you and your families: People's and Children's Choice Awards (to be given out at the Sheepherders Come Bye on Saturday evening). Scout out your purchases for the silent auction that will also take place at the Come Bye! Location: Exhibit Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Musical Artists- Eliza BluE
Eliza Blue is a writer, folk musician, and rancher living on the short grass prairie of western Dakota. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, and NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered.’ 19 different print publications carry her weekly column about life on the prairie, and she has written and produced seasonal audio ‘postcards’ from her ranch for South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Prairie Public Radio. Her first book, Accidental Rancher, was chosen as the Siouxland One Book 2023. Her second book, Little Pasture on the Prairie, was released by the South Dakota Historical Society Press in June 2024. Eliza hosted a show celebrating rural art and culture for PBS called ‘Wish You Were Here with Eliza Blue,’ and she is the founder and director of the Kithship Collective, an organization devoted to innovative, ecosystem-specific storytelling. Eliza will play two sessions on Saturday during the vendor fair. Find more info at: www.elizablue.net.
Lamb, It's What's For dinner, 10 am & 2:30 pm
University of Wyoming meat scientist, Cody Gifford, will present various lamb cuts and preparation options. Participants will also enjoy some savory samples. This program is a must for those interested menus. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Shearing Demonstration, 10:30 am & 3:00 pm
Isaiah Kerr, owner/operator of Kerr Shearing will join us this summer to demonstrate how to properly shear sheep. Isaiah shears thousands of sheep each year across the Intermountain West. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds. Demos at: 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Children's activity station (all day)
Join us at the Sheep Wagons for coloring, shearing (children friendly version), and so much more!
Location: Sheep Wagons at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.
The History of sheepherding in Johnson county- 11:00 am
Nancy Tabb, local historian, will regale us with a full history of sheepherding in Johnson County. Johnson County is home to a colorful, sometimes dark, but also beautiful history when it comes to the sheep industry. Join us for all of the tales! Location: Exhibit Hall, JCFG
Wool Learning Kiosk & Handspinning Fleece Auction
Wool is the miracle fiber, and Wyoming is the "wine country" of wool. Understanding wool quality requires understanding its various characteristics. Learn and test your knowledge with a variety of wool types. and bring your own wool samples for analysis! Better yet, take home some great fleeces for all your hand-spinning and fiber art needs at the silent auction. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds. Those wishing to consign fleeces to the silent auction, information will be posted soon.
Wool product creation & marketing- 12:45 pm
Ever wondered what all is entailed in creating and marketing wool textiles, garments, and more? Join the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill interns for a full lesson in all those topics. Location: Exhibit Hall, JCFG
sheep-2-shawl demonstration (all day)
A Sheep-to-Shawl demonstration includes shearing a sheep, cleaning and washing the fleece, carding and spinning the wool fibers, and then weaving the yarn into a shawl. At the festival there will be demonstrations of shearing, carding, spinning and weaving, along with some samples of raw fleece and descriptions of how it is cleaned and washed from the Laramie Fiber Guild. The loom will be warped ahead of time with hand-spun natural-colored wool yarn, and spinners will produce more yarn for the weaving of a shawl, which will be completed at the event.
Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Wildlife & Working Lands, Working together- 2:00 pm
More details coming soon. Location: Exhibit Hall, JCFG
Rock Creek Watering hole
Marie McClaren is a 5th generation sheep rancher in SW Wyoming. She shares her every day ranching experiences on her blog, A Sheepherder’s Story, and welcomes all to come experience the stories for themselves at Rock Creek Watering Hole. Book your future stay right here! It includes sleeping in an authentic sheep wagon at the ranch, eating lamb raised and cooked right there, and riding along with Marie each day to learn about and get first-hand experience of the sheep ranching tasks. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Sheepherders Come Bye Awards Dinner- 6- 8 pm
Join us for a night to remember! Your ticket includes a tasty lamb dinner and access to the cash bar. The Wyoming Wool Growers Association and Wyoming Wool Initiative will be handing out their annual awards as well as the awards for the Art and Woolcraft exhibition and the sheepdog trials. Sponsored by the Wyoming Wool Initiative. This is a TICKETED event. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2025; link for purchase here. Location: Johnson County fairgrounds.
Dance to live music from Tris Munsick & the Innocents- 8- 10 pm
Let loose and wear your dancing shoes! Following the Sheepherders Come Bye; no ticket required. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Sunday, July 13, 2025
WWGA Festival Committee Meeting- 8:00 AM
WWGA Board Meeting- 10:00 AM
The WWGA Board meeting will take place over brunch at the TA Ranch.
moon hitch wagon co.- sunday tours
SUNDAY - Farewell send-off!
Mountain Plains Heritage Park Tours & Cowboy Poetry
Limited seating (10 people per time slot), PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED (at link in bold)
Wagon boarding at Creekside Family Fun Center
$45/person | Children under 5 for $5
1 hour tours- First ride leaves at 4:00 PM, Last ride leaves at 8:00 PM (Sunset Tour)
Vendor Line Up- 2025
Read below for more information about the WY Sheep & Wool Festival Vendor, their products, and programs:
Pretty Pelts: The Wyoming Wool Growers Association is the statewide organization for Wyoming sheep and wool producers and is the lead sponsor of the Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival. Stop by the WWGA booth to pick up a membership application, ask questions, or purchase a beautiful sheep pelt, wool wax creams and lotions, and many other American sheep/wool products.
Get to Know Wool: The University of Wyoming Wool Initiative will host a hands-on wool assessment in its vendor space. Stop by and test your wool judging skills!
Support the Foundation: The Wyoming SHEEP Foundation was founded by Wyoming Wyoming Wool Growers Association as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to preserve and promote our state’s sheep industry heritage. The Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival is a project that fits right into the mission of the of the SHEEP Foundation as revealed int the acronym “SHEEP” which stands for “Sheep Heritage, Education and Environment Projects.”
Mountain Meadow Wool Mill: The Mill will have their staff available to talk about the mill, showcase textiles they create, and more!
Moon Hitch Wagon Co.: Moon Hitch takes you on a fun-filled authentic and guided tour over Buffalo's historic landscapes and into the heart of its origin. The knowledgeable historical guides and teamsters enhance your journey with unparalleled beauty and captivating storytelling. Gain a glimpse of what life was like for our ancestors traveling into this country from behind a team of horses. After your ride, say thank you to Buffalo's home team, Daisy and Duke, with a picture and a couple of pats on the neck! Buffalo's home team are brother and sister Norwegian Fjord crosses and love nothing more than to be praised for their hard work, especially by children! Check out the full Summer Schedule here
Farm Service Agency: Talk to the FSA staff about what they do for sheep and other AG producers in Wyoming.
Rock Creek Watering Hole: Come experience life as a sheepherder! Enjoy sleeping in an authentic sheep camp on a 5th generation working sheep ranch amidst the beautiful sagebrush covered mountains along a fish filled creek. We will supply you with all of your meals, including gourmet lamb suppers. You can either spend the day relaxing in the Rock Creek oasis, or ride along with sheep woman, Marie McClaren, to learn about and get firsthand experience of day to day tasks. The tasks include, but are not limited to, moving/supplying camps, shearing, lambing, docking, trailing, visiting with the Peruvian sheepherders and so much more!
Cottonwood Creek Wool: Wool pellets for your garden. 100% Wyoming wool, bio-degradable, renewable and increase nitrogen and oxygen in the soil.
Bureau of Land Management: The Buffalo BLM Office will be at the Festival to provide information on grazing permits, recreation, conservation, and so much more. They will also discuss how the local offices work alongside the agricultural industry to preserve the Wyoming rangelands.
U.S. Forest Service- Bighorn National Forest: Representatives from the Bighorn National Forest will be present to answer any questions, provide maps, and any information about grazing and management in the Forest.
Animal Damage Management Board: Ever wanted to learn more about trapping predators, common practices, techniques or something else? Ask your questions and learn.
Johnson County Conservation District (NRCS): Learn about the watershed, projects in the county and what NRCS does locally.
WY State Vet: Meet some of the staff, ask questions, and learn what all our state veterinarians do for our industry!
Sheep Wagon Exhibit: We will have working sheep wagons from across Wyoming set-up for you to explore!
Jim Gatchell Museum: The museum will is home to a historic sheep exhibit and will remain open throughout the event.
Laramie Fiber Guild: A complete Sheep-to-Shawl demonstration would include shearing a sheep, cleaning and washing the fleece, carding and spinning the wool fibers, and then weaving the yarn into a shawl. At the festival there will be demonstrations of carding, spinning and weaving, along with some samples of raw fleece and descriptions of how it is cleaned and washed. The loom will be warped ahead of time with handspun natural-colored wool yarn, and spinners will produce more yarn for the weaving of a shawl, which will be completed at the event.
Taste of the Wind: Felted pelts, tanned hides, clean ram skulls, and lamb snack sticks.
FootHills Eclectic Design: Explore a variety of artistic creations ranging from fiber art to wood carvings and many things in-between while demoing fiber art techniques.
Guided Rock Farms: Fresh milled flours, lamb, yarns, Navajo Churro rugs, batting, and more!
Beginner Shearers: Stop by the programmatic booth to learn how to join a shearing crew as a beginner shearer, receive more training, and more opportunities to hone your skills.
Spinning, Weaving and Other Demonstration: Join our vendors as they demonstrate how to spin fiber into yarn and then create beautiful textiles through weaving!
Johnson County Tourism Association: The JCTA will be on site to answer all of your questions about the town of Buffalo and Johnson County. Need directions? Places to stay or eat some lunch? Check out their booth!
Mountain Meadow Wool Mill: Head on over to the Wool Mill for some amazing tours, knowledge and American made wool products!
UW Anthropology Department: Drop by the booth to visit about Wyoming's agricultural community needs and how the University of Wyoming can help provide more resources.
Barnum Bee Company: Venture on over to Tori's booth to explore these hand made soaps and other value-added Bee products.
Hand-Dyed Yarns: Hand dyed yarns available for sale at this booth!
Leaves & Feathers: Visit this amazing booth exhibiting and selling raw wool fleeces, hand painted dishes, paintings, and other crafts.
Heartfelt: looking for wool art? Look no further! This booth will exhibit beautiful wool art for sale, plus Patty will also have art featured in the Art Show & Auction (check those out in the Exhibit Hall).
Wyoming Yarn & Fiber: Stop by this booth for more hand dyed yarn for purchase!
Westwynd Fiber: Visit Joleen for Navajo-Churro roving, pulled wool pads, and mohair products.
LZ Craft Company: Find your leather craft needs here with Lisa!
Boni's Art & Pottery: Boni will be exhibiting and selling handmade pottery, art prints, 3-D print images, and paintings. Her beautiful work will be on display at her booth and in the Art Show (Johnson County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall).
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ABOUT
Enjoy a celebration of sheep and wool in the Bighorn Mountains!
EXPERIENCE
Experience Buffalo, Wyoming like only a sheepherder can! We will take you through real sheep ranches with the sheep and the herders themselves. Then come back to town and enjoy food, art, and education about the amazing and historical sheep industry in the great state of Wyoming.
LOCATION
Buffalo, Wyoming
FOLLOW US
@WYSheepandWoolFest
our sponsors- click on icons for more info!
Spearhead Ranch
McCormick Rambouillets
Julian Land & Livestock
Partial funding by Wyoming Humanities Council
Supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming cultural trust fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources
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More Information
WY Sheep & Wool FESTIVAL 2025
Ever wanted to learn more about the history of sheep and wool in Wyoming while experiencing the culture and beauty of the state? Join us this summer for a celebration of all things sheep and Wyoming!
Visit the tabs throughout the website to view the Festival Schedule, learn more information about sponsors, vendors, educational programs, and so much more!
Come visit us in Buffalo, WY in 2025!
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