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
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. Ian Kline of Little Leap Farm in Barnesville, Maryland was the winner in 2023 with a set of mixed-breed and mixed-color fleeces.
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 2023 the Revere pewter cup and cash award were won by Pamela Helton.
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. Rachel Zimmerman won this honor in 2023.
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. Nancy Weik won this honor with a Black Border Leicester Yearling Ram in 2023.
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. Davey Peterson won this honor with a Romney Yearling Ewe in 2023.