Click here to view pictures from previous festivals
The Dallas County Fairgrounds near Adel saw a flurry of activity during two days in June when country and city folks “flocked” together for the 3rd Annual Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival. The event, sponsored by the Iowa Sheep Industry Association, has experienced increased attendance each year and this year saw a fifty percent boost over 2006.
The fiber arts areas were full of activity with enthusiastic participants taking classes, watching demonstrations and buying everything from beautifully dyed wool to spinning wheels. Three fiber guilds offered demonstrations, free classes, answers to questions and assistance for those wanting to try their hand at spinning. The always popular Fleece Show drew a large crowd again this year.
Spectators at the sheepdog trials were in for a treat with, “some of the best dogs we have seen at the festival so far” said Ron Kilstrum, event chair. Bob Johnson and John Overholtzer, both from Tingley, Iowa, took first place in the open class and novice class respectively.
Professional shearer, Rocky Anderson, encouraged children to turn the crank on the antique shearing machine. Young girls giggled as they cranked the handle but the young boys had a serious look while cranking faster. The audience was in awe of how the sheep cooperated while being sheared, a sign of a good shearer holding the sheep firmly so they feel comfortable.
Visitors at the Hall of Breeds saw breeds ranging from the exotic to the more common meat breeds found in Iowa and the youth lamb shows on Sunday brought in a variety of breeding sheep and market lambs.
Sheep and goat producers were offered a variety of quality educational seminars presented by ISU staff and producers.
Margie Meehan’s photograph “Follow Me” won the Photo Gallery contest and will be the subject of an original art drawing by Dolores Chadwell for the 2008 Festival. The original art drawing for 2007 “Mother’s Kiss” was auctioned at the Lamb Lovers’ Feast for $650.
Lamb lovers’ were in force at the Lamb Cooking Demonstration and the Lamb Lovers’ Feast on Saturday and also at the Lamb Cook-Off on Sunday. Ken Dunn, who was named the Iowa Sheep Industry Association’s Lamb Chef of the Year, wowed spectators at the Cooking Demonstration with several lamb preparations.
The Lamb Lovers’ Feast, prepared by Ken Dunn of Ames Best Pies and Full Service Catering, featured two lamb appetizers and leg of lamb entrée. A crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed an elegant evening under the big tent where the Bill Martin Trio entertained and wine from the Penoach Winery, Adel was enjoyed by many.
Fourteen different versions of leg of lamb were grilled and smoked at the Lamb Cook-Off. Many spectators quizzed the participants on preparation and cooking techniques while they delighted in sampling the creations. BJ Hoffman, Windsor Heights, took first place with his Traditional Kabob recipe.
Iowa’s only Sheep & Wool Festival will take place again on June 14 – 15, 2008 so put it on your calendar now.
