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Open house highlight is always the lamb romp

Bruce Bell
Local Features - Friday, May 18, 2007 Updated @ 3:01:12 PM

Photo: Mikaela and lambs at Willow Garden Shetlands, 2033 Salem Rd, Consecon, home to the 4H Sheep Club open house Monday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The wool will be flying at Willow Garden Shetlands on the Victoria Day holiday.

The 4H Sheep Club will host its annual fundraising open house and barbecue at the Ameliasburgh farm and owner Bill Stearman promises a fun-filled family day.

“It’s been very popular in past years because it is such a relaxing and enjoyable day for families,” he said. “When it was raining, we still drew about 200 people and when it’s been nice we get 400 or 500 people here – many who will spend the entire four hours.”

Stearman, who raises purebred sheep on the farm said there will be plenty of interaction for visitors with the sheep and as many as 85 lambs.

“This is the major fundraiser for our club and helps offset many of the activities the 4H members participate in,” he explained. “We will be giving shearing demonstrations but the highlight is always the lamb romp when between 40 and 60 of the little ones race around.”

While the event is used to raise money for 4H activities, Stearman also hopes to raise funds for another organization. He has been participating in the Mother to Child HIV Prevention program in Africa, donating money from his sheep sales to help prevent the spread of the HIV virus from infected mothers to their newborn children.

To date, Stearman has been able to supply needle kits to 44 African mothers from his sales, but he has had some help. Carol Arthur, a Quebec sheep farmer and Carol Brough, a Prince Edward County real estate salesperson have been matching his donation of $25 from each sale. With their contributions, each sale covers the cost of one $75 kit.

“It’s really incredible when you stop and think that it only takes $75 to ensure a child in Africa is born without AIDS or HIV,” he said.”It makes selling sheep seem pretty irrelevant when with so little effort you can help a child have a fair start to life.”

Stearman said donations will be accepted throughout the day of the open house – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 21 at 2033 Salem Rd. near Consecon.

For more details, contact Stearman at 613-394-8631.