North Andover Festival Committee presents the 47th Annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival

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Crafts, Food, Fun and Sheep Return to North Andover for the Town’s Traditional Spring Celebration

North Andover, MA – The 47th annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival, sponsored in part by Pentucket Bank and Wheelabrator, Inc.  returns for its traditional spring celebration on Sunday, May 19th, on the North Andover Town Common from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The festival, which attracts thousands of people each year, and has been featured on Good Morning America and  a A&E Reality Series.  The event is accessible from I-495, exit 42.  (GPS location is 800 Massachusetts Ave.)  Admission and events are free.

Among the festival’s most popular attractions are the sheep herding and sheep shearing demonstrations.  David Kennard returns from Wellscroft Farm in NH to round up the sheep with his Border Collies.  Before his dogs demonstrate their abilities, David Kennard challenges children to try rounding the sheep into their pens faster than his Border Collies.  Even though children have yet to top his dogs, they always succeed in having a great time. In addition, Andy Rice of Hogget Hill Farm in Brattleboro, Vermont will demonstrate sheep shearing.

Entertainment includes sheep shearing, wool spinning demonstrations, a juried crafts fair, Cow Pie Bingo and pony rides, available for a fee.  There will be blacksmithing, antique basket weaving and other demonstrations. There will be live music provided by the Real School of Music.  In addition, a wide range of foods will be available from vendors.

As an added convenience, there will be free parking at the Franklin and Middle Schools, with free shuttle service to and from the festival for the duration of the event.

The North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival is presented by the North Andover Festival Committee, a volunteer citizen’s group dedicated to enhancing life in North Andover through periodic community events.

Contact:  Jeff Coco

North Andover Festival Committee

978-683-9344