Shepherd’s Lead Contest
- There is no entry fee for the shepherd’s lead contest, however registration via the Showman app is required
Registration Deadline: 13 Sep 2024
Contact: Reni Melvin
Prior Shepherd’s Lead Contest Photos
The Shepherd’s Lead Competition is funded by the American Sheep Industry to promote the use of wool and is a great opportunity to educate the public on the benefits of 100% natural fibers. The competition will take place on Saturday (see Schedule for time).
Ribbons will be awarded for 3 places in each class to both the contestant and to the fiber creator/ source. In the case of winners where the contestant is also the fiber creator/ source only one ribbon will be awarded (for example: a contestant spins wool from their own animals and knits it into a scarf), but the contestant will be listed in the results under both categories (contestant and fiber source).
Additionally, premiums will be paid to the top 3 contestants. The show results (contestant and fiber creator/ source) will be posted on the web site.
Classes and Premiums
A. Peewees – under 8 – Premiums: 1st $25, 2nd $15, 3rd $10
B. Juniors – ages 8 to 17- Premiums: 1st $50, 2nd $30, 3rd $20
C. Adults – 18 and older- Premiums: 1st $50, 2nd $30, 3rd $20
Judging
There will be 2 judges and they will use the following criteria:
Animal (30 points) – quality of fleece, cleanliness and overall appearance
Garment (30 points) – color, fit and style of garment
Poise and Control (30 points) – poise of the contestant, control of the animal, and knowledge of the animal and garment
Extra Credit (10 points) – garment handmade by contestant, animal owned by contestant, animal appropriately dressed to match contestant
Rules
General:
There is no entry fee, however pre-registration is required by TBD if a donor animal is needed. GSSB reserves the right to edit the description if needed to meet the needs of the competition.
Contestant’s outfit must include one highlighted garment that is made from 100% natural fibers (wool, mohair, angora, alpaca, llama, etc.).
Contestant must lead a halter trained fiber animal around the show ring. Angora rabbits may be carried. Animals can be made available to contestants who do not own a fiber animal. Please indicate need and type animal requested on pre-registration form. You will be matched with a donor and notified who to contact well in advance of the competition.
Optionally the animal may be accessorized with a matching scarf, hat, etc., that matches the contestant’s outfit.
Contestants should be able to answer basic questions about their animal and highlighted garment.
Fiber/ Garment-Specific:
The fiber creator/ source should be provided on the pre-registration form so that the provider is eligible for the Fiber Source Award in each class. The fiber creator/source can be the contestant, one of the Festival Vendors or another source.
Garments may be constructed using any method including but not limited to knitting, crocheting, weaving or felting.
Animal-Specific
The fiber animal will be judged on its fiber, so sheep should have at least 2″ of fleece. Sheep do not need to be blocked or fit, but they should be free of dung tags, have clean ears and trimmed feet. The fiber animal may be white or colored and need not be registered breed. The contestant does not have to own the fiber animal.
All animals must be free from infectious and contagious diseases. Sheep and goats must be accompanied by a Health Certificate from state of origin dated within 30 days of the festival. In addition, animals will be inspected by a veterinarian at the show grounds. (See the general show rules on the web site for more information).
Because of the mandatory Scrapie program, all sheep and goats must be tagged with official identification.
Please bring your own pens, bedding, hay, buckets, feed and halters.
Animals must be checked-in by 9:00 AM Saturday and may leave after the competition.
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Additional Information:
Contestants will provide a write-up for the show that includes the following:
- Garment Description including fiber content (will be read during competition)
- Fiber Source (Festival Vendor Name, Other Vendors/ Source Name or Contestant)
Page Last Updated: 7-Sep-2018