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 will be available for purchase from Swagg n Wagon and Bai Tong on Wheels food trucks, drinks will be available for purchase from Seattle Espresso Cart, and kettle corn will be available to purchase from Pioneer Popcorn. Honey will also be available to purchase from Cascade Natural Honey. Water bottles will be available to purchase from the information booth.
2023 Vendors
Bai Tong on Wheels, Bellevue Utilities, Cascade Natural Honey, Eastside Heritage Center, Green Apple Alpacas, Northwest Spinners and Fiber Arts Association, Northwest Vintage Iron Tractor Club, Pioneer Popcorn, Regional Animal Services of King County, Seattle Espresso Cart, Seattle Humane, Seattle Pony Party, Swagg n Wagon
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. This is one of Bellevue's most unique events, running for over 40 years. 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 26, 2023.
- Ages: 15+
- Dates/Time: April 29, 2023 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in becoming a sponsor? View our sponsorship booklet for available opportunities. For customized sponsorship packages, please email Stacy Stenslie at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov.
Vending and Demonstrating
We are looking for mission-aligned vendors and demonstrators for our 2024 event. For all applications, please email Stacy Stenslie at sstenslie@bellevuewa.gov.