City Farm SLO is hosting their 5th Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig & Ag Festival this Saturday.
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can come to the farm to learn about seasonal farm work free of charge. According to Kayla Rutland, City Farm SLO’s Executive Director, the activities include farm games, an egg toss, chicken-poo bingo, a scavenger hunt and partner booths.
There will also be a Sheep Shearing Demonstration from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. by skilled shearer, Brittany App. Hay Ride Farm Tours will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to a press release.
The sheep shearing is the cornerstone of the event, according to Rutland.
“We wanted to invite the public to come and watch this really cool part of raising sheep, learn about it and learn about our sheep,” Rutland said.
The demonstration will be on the farm’s Navajo-Churro sheep and walk visitors through the processes of wool production. Rutland said that several baby lambs were born this week, and will be available to hold at the event.
The event will also feature farm-to-table foods by local vendors Sichuan Kitchen and Bear City Social and live music from band Joy Lapolloi.
Rutland shared how it started out as a smaller event and has blossomed into a full-fledged agricultural festival. In the past, the farm charged a price for adult tickets, but this year, everyone can come for free.
While on-site parking is reserved for guests with accessibility accommodations, most parking will be off-site this year, according to Rutland.
“It gives people the chance to walk our creek path to the farm and get a guided tour, or they can take a hayride,” Rutland said. “It’s a fun way to understand where we’re at and how to get here.”
Guests can RSVP by securing free tickets in advance.