Gifts & Bequests

The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival thanks the following donors for the special recognition in honor of their loved ones:

Jane Hyland Memorial Awards

Jane was a talented spinner and teacher who valued quality fleeces. Her long involvement with the Festival as a volunteer and participant is honored by her friends through the following awards:

Skein & Garment Competition:

Jane Hyland Memorial: Best Handspun Skein – $25
Jane Hyland Memorial: Best Handspun Article – $25

Sheep to Shawl: 

Jane Hyland Memorial: Best Spinning Team – $150

Eighteenth Annual  Mamie Francis Blanket Competition

Mamie was a weaver of small blankets or lap robes. She is remembered by her husband, daughter and two sons, who established a $5,000 endowment in her name which funds the $300 Grand Prize Award. The $300 prize was awarded to Nani Jackson in 2022.

Maryland Shepherds Cup

The Maryland Shepherds Cup in the Fleece Show recognizes consistent excellence in the production of handspinning fleeces by wool producers in Maryland. The winner will be judged to have entered the best set of five handspinning fleeces from an individual Maryland shepherd. This award is offered in remembrance of Mary Ann Jackson, shepherd at Spinning Flock Farm. The award includes a perpetual trophy inscribed with the name of each year’s winner plus a $100 prize. Pamela Helton of Frederick, Maryland was the winner in 2022.

Pat Brown Memorial Award

To honor an ardent Festival fan, a group of Maryland spinners funded the Pat Brown Memorial Award for the Best Maryland Fleece in the Fleece Show. A Kent Island shepherd and critter lover, Pat Brown was a multitalented artist. A permanent plaque is displayed annually at the Fleece Show. In 2022 the Revere pewter cup and cash award were won by Percy Langstaff.

Tyson Creamer Memorial Award

Tyson “Pete” Creamer was a Festival committee member over 15 years, including chairing the Fleece Show & Sale with his wife, Sylvia. He was a shearer, worked with the Wool Pool, and was always willing to work with 4-H Members. This award is given to the best 4-H Fleece. Abigail Willis won this honor in 2022.

Ernest Edward Hall Memorial Trophy

This award is given in memory of Ernie Hall, who unselfishly donated 16 years of service to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. The trophy is awarded to the exhibitor of the Supreme Champion Ram. Sarah Jakeman won this with a Black Border Leicester ram in 2022.

Florence Byrnes Hall Memorial Trophy

This award is given in recognition of the 16 years of dedicated service that Florence gave to the Festival. This trophy is awarded to the exhibitor of the Supreme Champion Ewe. Heidi Barkley won this honor with a Border Leicester yearling ewe in 2022.

The Lucy Conant Memorial Trophy

This trophy is dedicated to the memory of Lucy Conant, a devoted participant in the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival Sheep Shows for many years. The “Friends of Lucy Conant” will present this trophy to the exhibitor of the Champion Romney Ewe. Emma Rogers won this honor in 2022.