How does wool come off sheep?

How does raw wool turn into yarn? Come to the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8th and find out! Heritage breed sheep from local farm animal rescue Flat Broke Farm will be losing their winter coats under the expert guidance of shearer John Sanchez. After the sheep are sheared, you can have fun learning how to turn raw wool into yarn, the first steps to making a sweater. Volunteers will teach how to card and drop spin wool as rancho workers would have in the 1830’s.  Docents will be on site to give guided tours, so bring a picnic and spend the day at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park. 

The Petaluma Adobe served as the headquarters for General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s 66,000 acre cattle rancho from 1836 to 1846. Over 3,000 sheep were raised during that time and sheep shearing was a necessary part of rancho life. The wool was turned into clothing, blankets and rugs and sent out to trade ships. 

California State Parks is excited to partner with the non-profit Flat Broke Farm. Flat Broke Farm is Sonoma County’s longest operating farm rescue and has helped over 4,500 animals. Founder and Director Erica Gregory said “Flat Broke Farm rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes all domestic farm animals.  All the sheep being used for this demonstration are available for adoption. Stop by our Flat Broke Farm booth for more information about farm animals and learn about incredible eggs.”   

California State Parks, in cooperation with Sonoma Petaluma Parks and Flat Broke Farm, presents Sheep Shearing Day. No dogs are allowed at this event. 

Admission fee: $3.00 for adults 18 and older, children 6 to 17 are $2.00, 5 and under are free.