Extreme Sheep Diet: Annual Bellevue Shearing Event At Kelsey Creek

BELLEVUE, WA - It's a sure sign that spring is here when the annual Kelsey Creek Park sheep-shearing event rolls around. On Saturday, you can watch live as 16 sheep get a combined 80 pounds in wool sheared off. In addition to the main event, there will be other agriculture-themed events like wagon rides, pony rides, and dog herding demonstrations.

Here's more on the event from the city of Bellevue:

Sixteen sheep will be up to 80 pounds lighter after this year's annual sheep shearing event at Kelsey Creek Park. Weighing in between 150 and 200 pounds, each animal will have four to 20 pounds of wool removed in haircuts that take 15 minutes.

Bellevue's sheep-shearing celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., on Saturday, April 29, will be at Kelsey Creek Park, 410 130th Pl. SE, rain or shine. Activities will include spinning demonstrations, children's activities, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, heritage displays, dog herding and food.

"It's so valuable for people to come and get close to animals," said 32-year veteran sheep shearer Amy Wolf. "The Kelsey Creek sheep shearing is one way that we can hold onto our connection to family farms and our food source."

From wool to fleece to sweater, the sheep shearers will explain the shearing process and share shearing stories.

The event originated in the early 1990s, when ever-increasing crowds gathered at Kelsey Creek Park each spring to watch the sheep being shorn of their winter coats, a traditional farm practice. Each sheep produces from four to 20 pounds of wool each year.

Admission is free. Food is also available for purchase. No cash machine is available on-site. Free parking and shuttle service is available to and from the Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave. SE and Bannerwood Sports Park, 1790 Richards Road.

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