Sheepapalooza is a weekendlong celebration of sheep and shepherds at the Farm Institute in Katama.

Events kick off today, Friday, April 29, evening with a free presentation on the care and handling of sheep with Stan Potratz of Premier 1 Supplies, and a light supper is included.

Saturday begins with community chores and the opportunity to meet the lambs at 9 a.m. and then fiber arts throughout the day, with spinners, from several Island farms. At 10:30 a.m. cookbook author Cathy Walters (Raising the Salad Bar, Soups and Sides) will lead a two-hour cooking demonstration on preparing nutritious lamb; the cost is $25 and reservations are required.

From 1 to 2:30 p.m. Princess MacLean of Vermont will be offering sheep cheese samples; cost is $10 a family or $5 a person. The Farm will offer our own burgers and hot dogs for lunch.

On Sunday, Sheepapalooza begins at 9 a.m. with community chores and then Andy Rice of Hoggetts Farm in Vermont will do sheep shearing and sheep dog demonstrations through until 2 p.m.

Several Island farms including Native Earth Teaching Farm, Mermaid Dairy and Flat Point Farm will be open on Sunday afternoon for visitors.

For more information, call 508-627-7007 or see farminstitute.org.