Eric Workman | TMP Images
(WALTHAM, MA) Today Gore Place announced it will not hold the Sheepshearing Festival in 2021. In deciding to not hold the festival, the museum staff cites continued uncertainty about public health due to the coronavirus pandemic. This will be the second year in a row the museum will not hold the event because of the pandemic.
While the loss of the Festival for a second year is disappointing and means a financial challenge for the museum and its many vendors, the well-being of all involved remains the museum’s highest priority.
The Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place has been an annual event since 1987 and is the museum’s signature fundraiser. One of the most popular agricultural festivals in New England, the Sheepshearing Festival generates critical funds for Gore Place’s general operation while providing a venue for many crafters and vendors.
During the Sheepshearing Festival, visitors enjoy demonstrations of historical hand-blade sheep shearing, modern electric blade shearing, herding dog demonstrations, traditional music and family activities. Visitors can take a wagon ride, tour the 1806 Gore Mansion, shop for handmade wares from over 100 crafters, see work by over 20 fiber artists, learn from historical artisans and re-enactors and enjoy food from a variety of vendors.
Gore Place thanks its loyal community of visitors, friends, members, trustees, staff, and volunteers, and the many artisans, historical re-enactors, vendors, performers and sponsors who make the Sheepshearing Festival such a success. The organization looks forward to being back with its community next year for the 2022 Sheepshearing Festival on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
While Gore Place will not hold the Sheepshearing Festival this year, visitors can enjoy its 50 acres of open space for relaxation and recreation. No appointment is necessary to visit the grounds. Visitors can also take in one of the museum’s many outdoor events, such as Farmer Scott’s Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale in April and May, Stargazing twice monthly on Friday evenings and Walking Tours every Saturday. You must purchase advance tickets to attend all events. The events calendar is available on Gore Place’s website at goreplace.org.
Losing the Festival two years in a row is a significant financial setback for the museum. Gore Place requests the support of its community to keep it going in 2021. You can help by making a donation to the Campaign to Raise the Barn, which will build new farm buildings for Gore Place’s sheep. Find the link to donate on Gore Place’s website: https://goreplace.org/raisethebarn Or text BARN to 44-321 to donate on a mobile device.
You can also tell a friend about Gore Place and make a purchase from one of our wonderful Sheepshearing Festival vendors. See the list of vendors on our website at goreplace.org/whats-on/sheepshearing-festival.
