2023 Schedule
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.
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.



ABOUT
Enjoy a celebration of sheep and wool in the heart of Wyoming
EXPERIENCE
Experience Kemmerer, Wyoming like only a sheepherder can! We will take you through real sheep trails 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
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Vendor Line Up- Saturday, July 1, 2023
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.”
Visit the Lambs! Stop by the bum pen to meet the lambs that will be available for snuggling, nibbling on your fingers, or falling asleep in your lap. “Bum” lambs are orphans, meaning that they have become separated from their mothers and are being raised on bottles.
The Shepherd: Did you know that a national sheep industry magazine is published on a western Wyoming sheep ranch? Stop by The Shepherd’s booth and pick up a free copy of the magazine published in Farson (the tiny town famous for ice cream cones).
Autographed Books: Cat Urbigkit is an award-winning author and photographer who writes nonfiction books for both children and adults from a Wyoming sheep ranch. Cat will be signing and selling books in The Shepherd’s booth.
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. These tasks include, but are not limited to, moving/supplying camps, shearing, lambing, docking, trailing, visiting with the Peruvian sheepherders and so much more!
Lincoln County Library: Join sheep themed story time at the Lincoln County Library! For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Harley's Wood Crafts: Beautifully and locally crafted wood designs; visit their page for more information.
Wild West Rug Hooking Demonstration: Join Sylvia and her group as they demonstrate how to hook wool rugs in this educational booth!
Sylvia's: Sylvia will also have a vendor booth with hand dyed wool fabric, yarn, fiber, and hand made soap.
Spinning and Weaving Demonstration: Join Coral as she demonstrates how to spin fiber into yarn and then create beautiful textiles through weaving!
Foot Hills Eclectic Design: Your chance to purchase beautiful hand made products made from wool! Check out Sandra's page to view some of her beautiful designs that you just might be able to purchase at the Festival!
Jana G Creations: More information coming soon.
Boy Mom Boutique: More information coming soon.
Sassy Sweets: Drop by for some tasty goodies that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
U.S. Forest Service: The Forest Service stewards an impressive portfolio of landscapes across 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands in the public trust. The agency’s top priority is to maintain and improve the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of current and future generations. Forest management focuses on managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems, reducing hazards, and maintaining forest health.
Sew Single Mom Designs: Local Kemmerer seamstress bringing designs to you!
Hanging Z: Wyoming made Mohair cinches.
FOLLOW US
@WYSheepandWoolFest
our sponsors- click on icons for more info!

Geis brothers ranch, LLC
Eagle Bar Ranch
V Cross Cattle Company
Campbell County Wool Growers Auxiliary
Farm Bureau Insurance
Julian Land & livestock
Victory Theater- Kemmerer
Wildcat Truck & auto repair, Llc
Lincoln Conservation District
WEstern Veterinary Service

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
Want to Become A Sponsor? Click on the Sponsors Tab for more info
More Information
WY Sheep & Wool FESTIVAL 2023

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 Kemmerer, WY in 2023!
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