Black Sheep Gathering

Check back March 1, 2019 for the entire website to be updated with information on this year's show and workshops. Thank you.

The 2019 BSG will convene July 5-7 at Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, Oregon.

Last year's Gathering at the new location was a big success!

Last year marked the beginning of a new era for the Black Sheep Gathering. The 44^th annual Gathering, which was held June 29-July 1, 2018, was moved 45 miles north to Linn County Expo Center in Albany Oregon. Linn County Expo Center offered us a beautiful new facility with room to grow, modern amenities, and convenient camping and lodging options. All the events we've enjoyed for decades were part of the Gathering: three full days of workshops and classes; fabulous fleeces for public judging and sale; fiber arts and other competitions; and sheep and Angora goat shows that emphasized the beautiful fibers these animals produce.

Here's a link to a story about the show in the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Wayne Thompson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend Wayne Thompson. Wayne peacefully passed away January 29, 2019, in his home with Rolly by his side.

Wayne has been a treasured leader, committee member, and inspiration since we hosted the World Congress on Coloured Sheep in Eugene in 1989. Even after Rolly left the BSG committee, he continued to serve as our Vice President until the time of his death, and it is difficult to imagine a Black Sheep Gathering without his hard work, smiling face and easy going spirit. Rest peacefully Wayne, you will be sorely missed.

Celebrating Natural Colored Animals and their Fibers

Take part in one of the most unique events in the country celebrating natural colored animals and their fiber. If this is your first visit, welcome to our BSG family!

MISSION STATEMENT: The Black Sheep Gathering is an annual event during which participants exchange their knowledge of an appreciation for handcraft fibers and the animals that produce them.

GOALS: The Black Sheep Gathering strives to provide an environment dedicated to: education, cooperation and participation, an atmosphere of fellowship and fun, and celebrating natural colored animals and their fiber.

SHEEP SHOW

Judge: Zane Bone
College Station, Texas

I am a 4th generation sheep and goat raiser from the Texas Hill Country. My father was a state winning sheep and goat vocational agricultural teacher; my mom was also from a ranching background. Read More.

ANGORA GOAT SHOW

Judge: Dr. Andy Laughlin
Lubbock, Texas

Dr. Andy Laughlin grew up in the rural town of Ingram, Texas located in the heart of the hill country. He received his bachelor's degree in animal science from Texas A & M Univerisity. Read More.

FLEECE SHOW

Wool Judge: Dr. Geof Ruppert
Fairfield, Pennsylvania

Your judge for the 2018 Black Sheep Gathering is Dr. Geof Ruppert. His involvement with sheep began in 1976 with a starter flock of Corriedales, chosen in part because of his mother’s interest in the fiber arts. Read More.

FIBER ARTS AND YARN SHOW

Judge: Marian Dyche
The Dalles, Oregon

I learned to spin when I moved to Oregon about 20 years ago, joined the Columbia Fibres Guild and also learned to live life as it really should be. Read More.