Scene from sheep shearing event in 2022 at Los Luceros Historic Site. Courtesy/LLHS

Members of the wild and woolly Navajo Churro sheep herd at Los Luceros Historic Site. Courtesy/LLHS

NMHS News:

Sheep Shearing Day, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the wild and woolly Navajo Churro sheep herd at Los Luceros Historic Site.

Held in conjunction with first Sunday Dawn ‘Til Dusk, visitors can enjoy the site starting at 7 a.m., with a bird tour followed by a variety of activities until the site closes at 7:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, Kerry Mauer will demonstrate an old-fashioned method of sheep shearing using double bow shears. He will discuss the shearing process and answer questions while he shears each of the sheep in the flock.

Rebecca Ward, Los Luceros Instructional Coordinator, will give a talk about the history of Navajo Churro sheep and their importance to New Mexico and Indigenous history.

Española Fiber Arts will be cleaning and trimming the wool as it is sheared off the sheep, which will then be used in needle felting and drop spinning workshops. Children can make sheep masks and finger puppets at the kids’ craft table.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat from food trucks Manko (Native American fusion) and Eat Cute Bakery, on site for the day.

Schedule of events:

• 7 a.m. – Bird tour. April is a great time to see spring bird beneath the blooming crab apples.
• 10 a.m. – Introduction to drop spinning workshop. For ages 8 and older. Registration required; space is limited. One hour long. Class Full!
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Needle felting workshop. For ages 12 and older. Registration required. Call 505.476.1165 to register.
• 2 p.m. – Lecture: The Navajo-Churro Sheep: A Story of Resilience and Survival
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Introduction to drop spinning workshop. For ages 8 and older. Registration required; space is limited. Call 505.476.1165 to register.