Wolcott Mill Metropark552

message from Wolcott Mill Metropark:

Sheep Shearing & Fiber Fair
Saturday, May 5 from 10 am to 4 pm, Historic Center and Farm Center. Discover the wonders of wool, from the sheep to the spinner's wheel. Watch professional sheep shearing, plus see demonstrations on weaving, spinning, felting and more. Items will be available for purchase. Visitors can make a wool craft and learn about wool and fibers, including the role of lanolin in wool. Hot chocolate, coffee and a snack will be provided. Fee: $5/person includes entry into the farm and historic centers.

At the Historic Center:

Plants for Mom
Saturday, May 12 from 1 pm to 4 pm, Historic Center. Children can make several simple paper plant crafts to present to mom on her day. They'll create a custom pot and plant a flower for her as well. Mom can bring extra plants to exchange with. Preregistration not required. Fee: $1/craft.

Puppets, Dolls & Play
Saturday, May 19 at 10 am & 1 pm, Historic Center. Dolls are one of the most ancient of toys, and children will have the opportunity to look into their history during this program! Designed originally as a Brownie Try-It, this program for kids will investigate how early dolls were made in this country. Plus, they'll make several dolls and puppets from simple materials, much as early Michigan settlers did. Fee: $5/child. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Meet the Artist of the Month
Sunday, May 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm, Historic Center. Artist and Romeo Middle School student Erica LaBaere will be at the Historic Center to talk to visitors and sign and sell her artwork. For all of May, her art will be on display as part of the continuing "Artist of the Month." Refreshments will be available during her visit. Free; preregistration not required.

Family Silhouettes
Sunday, May 20 at 2 pm, Historic Center. Create a family heirloom or a unique gift for someone you know. Silhouettes date back to the 18th century and we will help you create one of you or your family. If you would like to include a pet, bring a side view picture of it with you and include them in your family portrait. Fee: $3/silhouette. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Top to Bottom Tour
Sunday, May 27 at 2 pm, Historic Center. Would you like to explore areas where visitors cannot normally go? Sign up for this tour of all four floors! You'll discover the history of milling, including the dangers, plus hear some trivia connected to mills. Fee: $5/adult, $2/child. Preregistration and prepayment required.

At the Farm Center:

Harness & Hitch
Sundays, May 6, 20 and 27 from 1 pm to 3 pm, Farm Center. Meet the team of Wolcott draft horses and watch how they are harnessed and hitched, and then go on a wagon ride through the farm. You'll learn some interesting facts about draft horses! A weather dependant program, please call the Farm Center for updates on current conditions. Fee: $5/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Minis, Bits & Pieces
Saturday, May 12 from 1 pm to 3 pm, Farm Center. Presented by Ashley Cerku. Bring your miniature horses to prepare for the show season. Learn the basics of showmanship and in-hand trail before your next show. Fee: $20/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Sundaes & Wagon Ride with Mom
Sunday, May 13 from noon to 3 pm, Farm Center. Spend some quality time with mom at the farm. Enjoy a wagon ride and an ice cream sundae. Fee: $5/person. Moms join us free of charge!

Block Party at the Farm
Saturday, May 19 from 10 am to 4 pm, Farm Center. Enjoy a day of getting to know your local Metropark and neighbors. Discover all your local farm has to offer! Watch the cattle being milked at 10 am, take a mini tour of the facility and stop in to the farm's General Store. See ongoing seminars by master gardeners, Pheasants Forever Archery, the Ray Fire Department and other professionals and organization. There'll be candy scrambles and a rock wall. Enjoy a hotdog and refreshments. This friendship builder is free!

Ask the Equine Judge
Sunday, May 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm, Farm Center. This is your chance to ride in front of the judge and have a one-on-one conversation about you and your horse. Find out what can help or hurt your scores in the show ring. This program is presented by Lucy Brown who is knowledgeable in all disciplines. Bring your horse for this program (proof of negative Coggins Test required). Fee: $20/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Horse Fun
Saturday, May 26 at 11 am & 1 pm, Farm Center. This unique workshop, tailored for the beginner, will give the horse lover an opportunity for hands-on grooming, leading and basic care. Learn how to properly and safely walk and turn a horse. Plus, enjoy a horseback riding demonstration. This program is approximately 1 1/4 hours, limited to 20 participants per session and for ages 7 & up. Fee: $5/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Tips for Training your Horse
Sunday, May 27 from 10 am to noon, Farm Center. Learn from trainer Sue Moffit, how to do proper successful maintenance rides. What happens between your riding lessons? How do you keep your horse fresh and willing to learn? Learn tips and exercises that every horse owner should know. If you have problems or concerns with your horse this is the clinic you can't afford to miss. Bring your horse for this program. Fee: $20/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Showmanship
Sunday, May 27 from 1 pm to 3 pm, Farm Center. Nick Cotsonika will share his expertise with you. Nick has coached many to the top. Let him help you and your horse be competitive this show season. He's a University of Findlay graduate and has trained multiple American Paint Horse Association top 10 and top 20 amateur, novice amateur and open horses. Fee $20/person. Preregistration and prepayment required.