'Shear' Fun at Peter Wentz Farmstead This Saturday

Bring the kids out to Peter Wentz Farmstead, a restored 18th Century Pennsylvania German historic site in nearby Worcester, this Saturday, April 13 for some hands-on, family-friendly and even educational fun at the annual shearing of the sheep. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Farmers and period re-enactors will demonstrate what life was like on a Colonial-era Pennsylvania German farm. Farmers will be shearing sheep throughout the day and visitors will have a chance to help brush the wool before it heads to the spinners to be turned into yarn.

Artisans and educators will also be on hand to teach visitors about the native Lenape culture, demonstrating woodworking and broom-making skills and showing off authentic tools of the trade.

Textile historian Kathy Lesieur will give a presentation on early needlework samplers dating to the late 18th through mid-19th centuries and even teach basic stitching techniques.

Visitors will also have a chance to try their hands at dying eggs, making butter, creating hooked rugs and scarecrows and other period crafts. Children can even play with Colonial toys and games.

At noon, the Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre will perform a puppet show.

The Bakshi Studio Baroque Players will perform Colonial-era music for guests touring the historic house. The tour ends with a trip to the "summer kitchen," where guests can "experience the sights and aromas of seasonal cooking on the open hearth."

Refreshments are available for purchase and the museum gift shop will be open.

The farmstead is owned and operated by Montgomery County and a suggested donation of $2 helps fund the programs. For more information about this or other programs, call 610-584-5104 or visit the website.