LIVESTOCK LANES?

Visitors to Waynesburg, PA may feel as if the clock has turned back a century if they try to drive through the town’s historic business district on the 3rd weekend of May. Four city blocks of the main thoroughfare through Waynesburg are closed to motorized traffic to make room for...sheep. "We’re not driving a herd through town, although that actually was a common sight along many rural roads in the past; but we will have live animals on display," says Carol Adamson, Chairman of the Annual Sheep & Fiber Fest in downtown Waynesburg, PA. The festival is coordinated by Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, Inc. and sponsored in part by National City Bank, the American Lamb Board and several local area businesses and farms. "The sheep & fiber industry has historically played an important role in our county’s agricultural base, and everyone comes out to enjoy all the spinning, weaving, shearing…plus all the good food," Adamson says.

The festival schedule includes a juried crafts show and sale featuring vendors from throughout the region, many demonstrating and selling fiber related wares. One of the most popular activities is the "Sheep To Shawl" demonstration in which several teams are in a timed competition to create a finished piece of woolen apparel. "Spectators see the process from the actual shearing of the sheep, cleaning and carding of the wool, then spinning and weaving into the finished shawl, all in one quick ‘assembly line’ type operation," Adamson explains, "We have several spinners & weavers guilds participating and the finished shawls will be offered at auction to festival go’ers." A breed pavilion includes live sheep of various breeds and adorable alpacas. It’s definitely “hands-on” where visitors can pet live animals, feel different fibers and fleeces, kids even get free pictures with lambs among other fun activities.

Big and little farmers alike enjoy the Pedal Tractor Pull on Sunday, and everyone looks forward to the custom pedal tractor auction. "If you want to take home a one-of-a-kind, ready to ride pedal tractor for your favorite kids, plan to bid. We have several authentic die cast tractors that have been totally customized by local professional body shops…custom painted by pros, some may be motorized, some have added features like custom fenders or running board and decals. We’ve even had a bright pink one with an electric motor and one with a flames and a real two cycle engine installed…they’re really something," said activity chairperson Murray Hoy.

Other activities include Lamb Cooking demonstrations and plenty of free sampling. Also popular are the live border collie shepherding shows, in which real working dogs show off their skills in herding live sheep; a photography contest and exhibit; live musical entertainment and various children’s activities.

"We close down the streets for loads of fun, food and unique crafts & shopping while we celebrate the heritage of sheep, wool and fiber in Greene County, PA," Adamson says. Admission is free; for directions and complete schedule of events, go to www.sheepandfiber.com or call 724-627-8119.