Wool you join us? Sheep shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm

Published March 4 2026

Did you know that Kelsey Creek Park is one of Bellevue's oldest parks? In 1968, the city purchased 80 acres of pastures, meadows and woods that became Kelsey Creek Farm, creating a link between Bellevue's agricultural past and the city's urban present.

Bellevue's Sheep Shearing celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., on Saturday, April 25, will be at Kelsey Creek Park, 410 130th Pl. SE, rain or shine. Activities will include spinning demonstrations, children's activities, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, animal viewing areas and food.

From wool to yarn, the sheep shearers will explain how a sheep's coat becomes a sweater. Each sheep produces six to 10 pounds of wool each year. The buzz cuts remove four to 20 pounds of fiber, keeping them cool during the summer.

"It's so valuable for people to come and get close to animals," said 41-year veteran sheep shearer Amy Wolf. "The Kelsey Creek Sheep Shearing is one way we can hold onto our connection to family farms and our food source."

The event originated in the early 1990s, when ever-increasing crowds gathered at Kelsey Creek Park each spring to watch the sheep being shorn of their winter coats, a traditional farm practice.

Kelsey Creek Park offers a glimpse into Bellevue's agrarian past, with protected historic barns, animals-including goats, sheep, pigs and cows-fish-spawning habitat and valuable open space just minutes from downtown.

Admission is free. Food is also available for purchase. Free parking and shuttle service is available to and from the Wilburton Park-and-Ride, 720 114th Ave. SE and Bannerwood Sports Park, 1790 Richards Road.