Sheep Shearing Day May 11

With the arrival of spring, it is time for the annual shearing of the sheep at the Wakefield Estate. The shearing, which is open to the public, is set for Saturday, May 11, at 10:00am. The shearing will take place at the estate, located at 1465 Brush Hill Rd. in Milton. The annual ritual will be performed by Kevin Ford, America’s foremost “blade” (hand) sheepshearer. Mr. Ford will demonstrate traditional techniques rather than more modern electric razors. He has made his living at sheepshearing for over 20 years, and conducts many workshops and public demonstrations. During the 1990s, Polly Wakefield kept twenty-five Dorset sheep at the property, and they were sheared by Mr. Ford each spring. The estate currently is home to three Shetland ewes, which are small sheep, and “Jack” the llama, who was “hired” to protect the sheep from coyotes. Once the wool is removed from the sheep, there will a spinning demonstration by a Nina Zonnevylle, a local fiber spinner and artist. For more information, call 617-333-0924.