2013 Sheep Showcase

The Sheep Showcase at the Calgary Stampede began three years ago as a collaboration between the Stampede, ASBA and ALP to promote Alberta’s sheep industry to the consuming public and to provide local sheep producers with a venue to publicize and feature their breeding operations.
 
Once again, the Showcase is divided into two components - the first being the extensive display that was built in 2011 with financial help from ALMA which promotes all facets of the sheep industry and which will be housed in Agrium’s Ag-tivity in the City pavilion throughout the ten days of Stampede (July 5-14). This pavillion is visited by 30,000 people every day during Stampede and provides an unequaled opportunity for informing potential lamb consumers. The second component of the Showcase will be housed in the Agricultural Building from July 9-14.  There will be shearing demonstrations using both modern and antique hand-cranked tools as well as demonstrations of sheep handling and trimming techniques.

Once again, there will be breed displays of ewes, lambs and rams featuring the most popular breeds in Alberta and breeders will have the opportunity to promote their individual farm operations. Spinners and weavers will also be plying their time-honored crafts and, popular among the kids, there will be hands-on wool washing that demonstrates the start of the process of turning raw wool into yarn.

The overall objective of the Sheep Showcase is to let the consuming public know what a great product Alberta lamb is, where they can get it and how they can cook it. Each year volunteers from the industry partner with the Stampede to help get the word out. Volunteers receive free entry into the Stampede, free parking and free meals while they are there and the Stampede believes it is very important to have volunteers who are well informed about the sheep industry in Alberta to deliver the message.