Lander Pioneer Museum holds second annual “Sheep Shearing Day”

Shearing demonstrations, weaving displays, hot dog roast, popcorn, crafts and activities for kids

Celebrate the history of the sheep industry in Fremont County

For over a hundred years spring in Fremont County has meant gathering up the “woolies” for their annual haircut. The Lander Pioneer Museum is recognizing that heritage with the second annual Sheep Shearing Day at the museum, Saturday April 23. From 1 until 3 p.m. there will be shearing demonstrations, weaving, food, crafts and activities for the kids. The event is free and open to the public.

Sheep Shearing day is the first in the museum’s “Kid’s Adventure Series” sponsored by the Lander and Riverton McDonalds: activities and events for young people and families to learn about Lander and Wyoming history.

There will be shearing demonstrations, and the Fremont County Fiber Arts Guild will be doing demonstrations of weaving, spinning and other uses of wool. The Fremont County Pioneer Association will be doing a hot dog roast and serving popcorn. There will be a small petting zoo, sheep wagons, and crafts and other activities for kids.

The sheep industry was a huge part of the county’s economy. Many fortunes were made running sheep in the area, and in Lander a number of the large houses on the south side of town were built by money made from wool and mutton. Many sheep wagons are scattered around town, a relic from the days when families had sheep on the range. “Even today many people raise sheep and they are an important part of our agricultural economy,” said Lander Museum Visitor Services Coordinator Randy Wise. “The museum wants to recognize that heritage in a way that kids will have a fun time learning about.”

The Pioneer Museum, and the other county museums in Dubois and Riverton will have events all year including treks to historic sites, speakers and kids events.

The museum is located on the north end of town at 1443 Main Street. Call 307-332-3373 for information, or visit the web at www.fremontcountymuseums.com or on Facebook at Pioneer Museum Lander Wyoming.