Monday, June 23, 2008

Festival receives ALTA award

 The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival was recently recognized by Maryland Traditions, a cooperative program of the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland State Arts Council that celebrates folklife and living traditions in Maryland through the presentation of the annual ALTA Award.

The ALTA Award, named for folklorist and community leader Dr. Alta Schrock, was given out to three recipients at the Maryland Traditions showcase, Maryland Masters: Down the Block and Around the Globe on June 19 at Baltimore’s Creative Alliance at the Patterson. Each year, three awards are designated – for a Maryland person, place, and tradition that best epitomizes Maryland’s heritage.

Retired extension agent David L. Greene accepted the award on behalf of the Festival which recently celebrated its 35th year. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is always held the first full weekend of May at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. It is sponsored by the Maryland Sheep Breeders Association.

The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is considered the finest such event in the United States.

Source: Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development