Lead Line Competition

Updated for 2026

The Lead Line Competition is a contest intended to show the relationship between the shepherd and the wool products made from sheep (clothing products). The competitor leads a sheep around the ring while wearing an outfit made from wool, either sewn, knitted, or crocheted. The contestant is judged on the handling of the sheep, as well as the outfit.


Rules

1. Classes (based on age as of January 1):

Junior ages 5-8
Intermediate ages 9-12
Senior ages 13-18
Adult 19 years & over

2. Contestant’s outfit must be at least 80% wool.

3. Contestants must halter train a sheep (ram or ewe) of any age.

4. The sheep does not have to be owned by the competitor.

5. All sheep entered must be accompanied by a veterinary certification of health. See Animal Health Regulations. No pens are allocated specifically for entries.

6. Judging will be based on:

Wool Outfit – 60 points
50 pts – color, fit and style appropriate to wearer
10 pts – some or all work done by exhibitor
Sheep’s Fleece – 20 points
10 pts – general appearance
10 pts – fitted to breed requirements
Poise and Control – 20 points
10 pts – poise of contestant
10 pts – control of the animal
Total – 100 points


Prizes

Premiums in each class are:

1st – $50
2nd – $40
3rd – $30
4th – $20


How to Enter

To register for the Lead Line Competition, send your name, address and phone number, the class you are entering, a description of your outfit, and information about the sheep (including ownership) to:

Karen Fleishell-Fought
230 West Middlesex Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-422-7228
or email: moc.liamtoh@selggunsypeehs

Register by April 20, 2026.

2026 Catalog Cover Artist Andrea Wisnewski

Find out more about our 2026 cover artist Andrea Wisnewski.

Schedule of Events

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LOST AND FOUND!2026 MD Sheep & Wool If you lost an item at the Festival please contact gro.loowdnapeehs@ofni. We do have a few items that were left behind and will work with you to determine if any of them are yours! Glasses, wallets, journal, necklace, scarf, etc., etc. We'd like to see you reunited!! ... See MoreSee Less
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🐑 All the final details are coming together and we are excited to see everyone!!! Please expect heavy traffic on Sat am, so plan ahead! SO much to see and do all weekend! Come out and support local, small, creative owned businesses and agriculture at the #mdsw sheepandwool.org ... See MoreSee Less
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🐑✂️ For Saturday only come out and witness the premiere blade shearer in the United States come and ply his trade for the shearing demonstrations. The Festival is honored to welcome back Kevin Ford for one day only to show off his skill with the blades and answer questions about shearing, animal care and handling and wool. If you want to meet a master craftsman plan to come see Kevin this Saturday in the Rabbit barn at 11:00 and 2:00. 🐑✂️ Live Shearing Demos in the Rabbit Barn! ✂️🐑 📍 Rabbit Barn 🗓️ Saturday & Sunday ⏰ 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM👉more info available here sheepandwool.org/festival/sheep-shearing-demonstrations #MDSheepAndWool #ShearingDemo #FiberArts #FarmLife #DidYouKnow ... See MoreSee Less
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