2016 marks 81 years that Linn County has held the Lamb and Wool Fair in conjunction with the Northwest Sheep Dog Trials in the small town of Scio, Oregon.  The Festival takes place the 3rd weekend in May with this years dates falling from Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd.  I attended the Friday evening activities, although Saturday was also very enticing and appeared to be geared more towards families with children with activities like a parade, talent and tractor show, fleece and fiber arts display and more live music.
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00152016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Festivites.
 

Friday evenings big draw is the Cruise in Car show where some years hundreds of cars and enthusiasts engulf the streets.  This year was no exception, and still very impressive, regardless of the threat of bad weather, but locals tell of years with double or even triple the turn out.  Car owners were friendly and talkative and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Prizes were awarded for different classes and there were even a few motorcycles on display.
 

JHP_LambAndWool_22016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Car Show
 

The Quilt Show was held in the school gymnasium.  There were simple quilts and elaborate quilts.  Quilts by young beginners and expert artisans.  A local quilting group takes fabric donations to make quilts for the .... ( bad on me, I can't remember place in Albany.  Leave a comment if you know what I am talking about!).... . The show is open all weekend and I encourage the boys to go inside too, it is more interesting than you may think and you can cast your vote for peoples choice.
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00022016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Quilt Show
 

No Fair would be complete without food and this one is no exception.  Lots of good vendors including one for classic elephant ears, but the one that strikes my fancy here is the Lamb Burger.  Slightly greasier and more gamey than beef it made an excellent burger patty. 
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00692016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Festivites.
 

With full bellies we ventured over to the traditional street dance and beer garden which collected the evening dwellers after the car show to wrap up the evening.  Dave Black and Friends filled the air with country classics and rock-n-roll favorites.  A few people danced but many played cornhole, water pong or other games.  It would have been nice to have a few romantic lights hug across the street and the cars moved out of the way for the dancers but maybe I have just watched too much Hollywood.
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00822016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Street Dance
 

Accompanying the Fair is the annual Northwest Champion Sheep Dog Trials that began in 1937 with the locals.  Today people come from all over the U.S. and Canada to compete.  Dogs work with their handlers (shepherds) to move the sheep from one end of the field to the other through gates, making turns and stopping the herd. They are judged on obedience, control and mentality. The primary dog used is the Border Collie.  
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00132016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Sheep Dog Trials.
 

The Trials are held just a few miles outside of the city of Scio at Wolston Farms from 9am to 4 or 5pm throughout the weekend.  Parking and viewing is $5/ car.  Don't know the rules? Just ask... The competitors are happy to explain the sport to onlookers.  You can even bring your own Fido but be mindful to keep them on a leash and be sure they will not cause a disturbance.  Bring shoes that can get muddy and a chair to watch from. 
 

JHP_LambAndWool_00342016 Scio Lamb and Wool Festival, Sheep Dog Trials.  
 

This is a small highlight of images encompassing this theme.  By clicking on any of these images you can be directed to a larger, theme oriented, gallery which I invite you to visit! 
 

If you would like to order a print or artwork and do not see what you are looking for I encourage you to contact me as custom orders are fun and different.  If you were a participant or see yourself featured in an image contact me directly for a print coupon of the image and discount if you are interested in a private photography session.  Thank you and it was fun!