Kelsey Creek Farm Park’s annual sheep shearing event is returning on Saturday, April 26, inviting visitors to experience a farming tradition. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can head to the park at 410 130th Place SE for a full day of hands-on activities, educational demonstrations, and live sheep shearing.
Though modern shearers now use electric tools, the practice dates back thousands of years to Central Asia, including ancient Uzbekistan as early as 3,500 B.C. This same process would have been familiar to early 20th-century farmers in Bellevue.
Shearers will be on hand to demonstrate their craft and explain how wool is collected and eventually turned into garments like sweaters and scarves. On average, each sheep yields six to ten pounds of wool annually, and the shearing helps them stay cool throughout the warmer months.
The celebration, sponsored by Amazon, includes more than just shearing. Families can enjoy pony rides, tractor-pulled wagon rides, animal viewing areas, and interactive children’s activities. Fiber arts like spinning will also be showcased, offering a full-circle look at how raw wool becomes a finished product.Admission is free. Food will be available for purchase. Free parking and shuttle service will run from Wilburton Park-and-Ride (720 114th Ave. SE) and Bannerwood Sports Park (1790 Richards Road).
