Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm is one of the community’s most unique events. Each year, more than 4,000 people come to watch a professional shearer remove the wool from our sheep to prepare them for warm, spring weather. Visitors learn about fiber arts, go on a tractor-pulled wagon ride, meet the farm animals, go on a pony ride, and step back in time to the 1880s with activities in the Fraser Cabin.
Event Details
Getting Here
Parking
- On site parking is limited to vendors/volunteers and disabled parking only.
- There is parking available at International School 445 128th Ave. SE Bellevue, WA 98005.
Shuttle locations & times
- Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
- Bannerwood Sports Park, 1790 Richards Rd, Bellevue, WA 98005
Shuttles run continuously from 10:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m.. The last shuttle to Kelsey Creek Farm leaves at 2:30 p.m. and the last shuttle leaving Kelsey Creek Farm leaves at 4:15 p.m..
Sheep Shearing
Our sheep, along with a flock of sheep brought in from another farm are shorn on stage every half hour from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.. Shearing does not hurt the sheep, it's actually vital to their health that they get shorn every spring. If they don't, it would be like wearing a huge wool coat all summer. The sheep may not love the process because they have to sit still for longer than they like but they do enjoy the result!
Cost
Parking, admission, and many activities are free.
Tickets for ticketed activities will be sold at the location of the activity.
- Pony ride tickets will be sold at the pony ride area and must be used immediately.
- Country Lane will include children's crafts, bouncy animals, garden play, hand tattoos, and other children's activities.
Food
Food will be available for purchase from the following food trucks and vendors:
- Swagg n Wagon food truck - fried chicken
- Bai Tong on Wheels food trucks - Thai food
- The Village Perk coffee truck - beverages
- Pioneer Popcorn - kettle corn
- Cascade Natural Honey - honey
- The Tiny Kitchen - breads and pastries
Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you to our sponsorship partner, Bright Horizons.
For future sponsorship opportunities, please view our sponsorship booklet. For customized sponsorship packages, please email Stacy Stenslie at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov.
Vending and Demonstrating
The application cycle for Sheep Shearing 2024 has closed.
We are still looking for mission-aligned vendors and demonstrators for our 2024 Farm Fair event in October. For all applications, please email Stacy Stenslie at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov.
Volunteer Opportunities
Day of Volunteers
Assist staff with event set up, running children's activity booths and other event tasks at our annual Sheep Shearing event. Volunteers gain experience working a large event, customer service skills, experience working with children, and teamwork skills while earning community service hours. Those interested may email Stacy Stenslie at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov, no later than Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024.
- Ages: 15+
- Date/Time: April 27, 2024 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Activities
- Sheep Shearing Demonstrations
- Fiber Arts Demonstrations
- Tractor pulled wagon rides by the Northwest Vintage Iron Tractor Club
- Hands-on heritage demonstrations in the Fraser Cabin by the Eastside Heritage Center
- Farm animal interactions
- Children’s crafts and activities in the Country Lane Play Area
2024 Vendors
Bright Horizons Childcare Centers, Eastside Heritage Center, Northwest Spinners and Fiber Arts Association, Northwest Vintage Iron Tractor Club, Kelsey Creek Critters 4-H club, Autumn Run Stables, Seattle Humane, Regional Animal Services of King County, Bellevue Utilities, King County Metro, Trash Talk, Visit Bellevue, Blue Mist Farms, Cascade Natural Honey, The Tiny Kitchen, Swagg n Wagon, Bai Tong on Wheels, Pioneer Popcorn, and The Village Perk.
Interested in becoming a 2024 vendor? Email Stacy at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov.