In addition to 4-H and open sheep shows, the Indiana Sheep Association (ISA) is sponsoring sheep-themed competitions, vendors and educational opportunities at this year’s Indiana State Fair, with additional support from the Indiana Sheep and Wool Market Development Program (IN S&W).
Learn all about sheep, purchase woolen products and try Indiana lamb at these events that are open to the public:
"ISA is proud to bring the spirit of our industry to the fair, and this year we will bring it in the theme of ‘Art and Nature,’ showcasing sheep-related art from Indiana artists in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion."
- Jane Smith, ISA president
To suit the state fair’s overall theme, ISA reached out to Indiana artists to depict sheep in their art. One artist, Laura Winslow, donated copies of her sheep paintings to ISA, which printed the paintings into stickers and magnets that will be handed out to 4-H winners and showcased in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.
For the duration of the fair, the Wool and Ewe Room and Ewe2 boutique will be open all day and will offer fairgoers Indiana-grown wool items, livestock- and country-themed clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more. On Aug. 2 at 10 a.m., the space will also host open wool judging, where spectators can learn more about wool, hear judges’ comments and ask questions.
The MIWW competition and fashion show will take place Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Indiana Arts Building. Competitors will show off their handmade wool entries during the fashion show and awards announcements. Later that day at 5 p.m., the shearing contest will feature professionals and amateurs shearing sheep back-to-back and competing for the best timing, handling and accuracy.
From Aug. 8-11 at 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fairgoers can sample lamb, provided by the IN S&W checkoff and ISA, for free at the Taste from Indiana Farms event in the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.
On Aug. 18 at 10 a.m., attendees can witness the annual Sheep to Shawl competition, when youth teams rush to finish a wool shawl from scratch. Teams card the wool, spin it into yarn and weave it into a pattern, all in a four-hour time frame.
Sheep can be found in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion from Aug. 4-20 for open and 4-H shows. For a more detailed schedule of when you can see sheep at the fair, check the 2024 Indiana State Fair Livestock Schedule.