Trout lilies are in bloom. Time for the 102nd Annual Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival, on Saturday, April 30, rain or shine, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tolland Agricultural Center, Route 30, Vernon/Rockville.

The festival was launched in 1909 by the members of the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association, as a program “to promote the keeping of sheep” in the state. Since then it has grown to a day-long event that includes vendors aplenty, a fleece sale and barns full of sheep, alpacas and rabbits. Food, yarn and live music, plus fiber artists sharing their passions for knitting, spinning, lace making and more – think of it as a day in the country for the whole family. For those considering a flock of sheep or other fiber-producing animals, this is a great place to learn and network.

Inside the Shepherds' Cafe are hot drinks, orange juice, bagels and donuts in the morning. Lunch items include lamb and beef burgers, hot dogs, lamb stew, vegetarian chili and pasta salad (while it lasts). “Fiddleheads” will perform Celtic and folk music, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Members of Windham Woolies 4-H Club will host activities and games for children.

Dr. Mary Jane Lis, DVM, state veterinarian, will be on hand 10 a.m. for an hour to answer questions and explain 2011 livestock regulations pertaining to sheep.

Inside the red barn are demonstrations on sheep shearing, wool skirting, loom weaving and the use of English hand combs during the day. Spinning bees at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Last year, Peg Sorensen of Palmer Family Farm in Tolland, Conn., showed skeins of pretty yarns spun from their sheep at Still River Mill in Connecticut. Her soft and lovely ivory-colored knitted mitts created from a blend of dog hair and alpaca fiber were beautiful. I hope to see her again and learn more about the farm's semi-annual artisan fair in June.

If you miss this event, visit more on Moo Dog Knits for a series of tales from the festival and listings for more fiber events on upcoming weekends.