Friday, June 30, 2023

Sheep Trail Tours- 9 am- 4 pm

Follow along with the sheep ranchers, or drive yourself, on the trail that the sheep herds use to get from the lambing grounds to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. You will have the opportunity to see the trailing sheep and all the dogs, horses, and herders with them, camps being moved, and even parts of the Oregon Trail. Don't miss out on all the action in this beautiful country! You can contact Marie McClaren at 307-723-0736 the week of the event to line up your trip if you would like a guided experience. For those wishing to drive themselves, the map will be provided in the Festival program and on the website; weather dependent, stay tuned.

Range Talks: Benefits of Sheep Grazing- 4- 5:30 pm

Join University of Wyoming Extension Range educator, Barton Stam, discussing the benefits of grazing sheep and some of the challenges. Location: South Lincoln Training & Event Center 

Art & woolcraft opening reception- opens at 5:30 pm

Come see the beautiful curation of art and woolcrafts at the South Lincoln Training & Event Center in Kemmerer. 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). Visit a working sheep camp on the Event Center lawn, while taking in the aroma of fresh roasted lamb! Hors d'ouevres will be served (fresh roasted lamb, veggies, fruits, and cheeses; cash bar). These works of art will be up for silent auction on Saturday evening, during the Sheepherder's Come Bye. 

Historical Sheepherder panel- Begins at 6:30 pm

While walking through the beautiful works of art, enjoying fresh roasted 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: South Lincoln Training & Event Center. 

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Saturday, July 1, 2023

Vendor Fair- 9 am - 4 pm

Keep scrolling to check out the vendors that will be at the Festival in 2023. Click on the links to check out their websites and/or social media. To become a vendor, click here. Some of our vendors will be holding demonstration (spinning, rug hooking, etc.) while others will have educational displays or shops. Location: Triangle Park

See Vendor Info Below!

Lamb, It's What's  For dinner- 10:30 am

American lamb is a cut above, and its popularity is rising. Lamb is a flavorful and nutritious protein with unlimited versatility. Meat scientists, Drs. Warrie Means and Cody Gifford, from University of Wyoming will demonstrate and discuss lamb fabrication and the best cuts for the perfect meal. Location: Triangle Park

Non-traditional Sheep Market Insights- 2 pm

With ever-changing market dynamics in the U.S. sheep industry, thinking outside the box is increasingly important and often overlooked. Ethnic market channels present great opportunities but require attention to animal type, marketing calendar, and communication. Join us for an interactive discussion on considerations for "non-traditional" marketing strategies led by  Dr. Whit Stewart, UW Sheep Extension Specialist, and ethnic lamb marketing specialist John Kane, Madison, Wisconsin, at the South Lincoln Training & Event Center to learn more.

Art & Woolcraft exhibition- 9 am- 5pm

Continue to gaze upon the beautiful curation of art and woolcrafts at the South Lincoln Training & Event Center in Kemmerer! 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!

       Wool Learning Kiosk & Handspinner Fleece Auction-  9 am- 4 pm

               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. Better yet, take home some great fleeces for all
              your hand-spinning and fiber art needs at the silent auction. Location: Triangle
                Park
              Those wishing to consign fleeces to the silent auction may contact Lindsay Conley-
              Stewart at lstewar9@uwyo.edu.

     Sharing Stories from the Range (ALL Day)

              Carla Mowell of the Wyoming: My 307 podcast will be on site at the festival to record
             stories and oral histories of our community. Stop by her Sound Studio trailer in the
             parking lot of the Kemmerer event center and see about getting a time slot. Recordings
             will be shared back with participants to share with family and friends, and may be used
             for a future podcast. Learn more at the podcast website: wyomingmy307.blogspot.com.

               Location: Triangle

        Jack Knox Stock Dog Handling Clinic- July 1-3 (ALL DAY)

                 The clinic will take place at Green River Livestock’s Slate Creek Ranch. Observers are
             welcome to watch this master dog handler guide other handlers and their dogs to
             better their skills. There is a $15 fee per day to observe (or lunch included for $30),
             with the clinic running July 1-3. The clinic location is on Highway 189 between
             Kemmerer and LaBarge. Between mile marker 59 and 60, turn north/west onto
             Lincoln County Road 310/Graham Lane. For details, contact Laura Taliaferro Pearson
             at 307-350-5640.

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. Sponsored by the Wyoming Wool Initiative- held at the South Lincoln Training & Event Center. This is a TICKETED event; click here to purchase your ticket now. MENU: Lamb skewers, Greek rice, Greek salad, lemon fries with feta, and dinner roll; cash bar. Location: south lincoln training & event center

Barn Dance with live music from Colby Acuff- 8 - 10 pm

Let loose and wear your dancing shoes! Following the Sheepherders Come Bye; no ticket required. Location: south lincoln training & event center

Sunday, July 2, 2023

WWGA Educational Program- 9 am

Start off the business meeting with an educational program from the WWGA Executive Director, Dr. Alison Crane. Alison will discuss the newly implemented FDA ruling for usage of antibiotic drug use in livestock and what the new rules mean for sheep producers, veterinarians, and the sheep. Location: south lincoln training & event center

WWGA Membership Business Meeting- 9:45 am- 12 pm

The WWGA Summer business meeting will take place at the South Lincoln Training and Event Center. At this meeting we will vote on two board positions and conduct our annual business. 

        Jack Knox Stock Dog Handling Clinic- July 1-3 (ALL DAY)

                 The clinic will take place at Green River Livestock’s Slate Creek Ranch. Observers are
             welcome to watch this master dog handler guide other handlers and their dogs to
             better their skills. There is a $15 fee per day to observe (or lunch included for $30),
             with the clinic running July 1-3. The clinic location is on Highway 189 between
             Kemmerer and LaBarge. Between mile marker 59 and 60, turn north/west onto
             Lincoln County Road 310/Graham Lane. For details, contact Laura Taliaferro Pearson
             at 307-350-5640.