Community Corner

Five Things to Know About Sheep Shearing Today

It's that special day again.

Today is the 41st annual North Andover Sheep Shearing -- a day of family fun and celebration of good old-fashioned sheep life -- organized by the Festival Committee.

Here are five things to keep in mind.

1. When and Where: The festival will be on the Common from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking will be a hassle for many of you, so plan accordingly. There will also be parking at Franklin Elementary School and North Andover Middle School, along with free shuttle buses to and from those locations. Sheep demonstrations, including herding demonstrations, will be periodic throughout the event.

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2. What You'll See: In addition to the sheep demonstrations, there will be lots of vendors, crafts, and food. Merchants from all over town will be displaying their goods, and their food, so bring your appetite.

3. Cow Pie Bingo: And of course, you will see a cow defecating as people cheer and someone wins money. Cow Pie Bingo involves a field of numbered squares, on which a well-fed cow is set loose. When she does her business, whichever square it lands on is the winner, and the person with that square walks away with $1,000. You can still buy squares today at the event.

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4. The Weather: If the forecast holds up, you'll be in for a pleasant day. Temperatures are expected to be near 70 degrees most of the day, with mostly sunny skies. But you know how New England weather can be, so you may want to bring a light sweater just in case the temperature dips.

5. Leave the Dogs at Home: You are asked to leave your dogs at home, because dogs may disrupt the sheep, the herding dogs and the cow.


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