Maryland Sheep and Wool is a lot of fun, but it’s more fun if you are prepared.  Some things to think about before you go.

1. Sunscreen and layers: last year I went on Sunday and it was cool, the day before on Saturday my friends were coming home complaining of sunburn.  Take precautions to guard against sun and cold, so you can have fun.
2. Money: For some, this means they will only be bringing cash.  For others, this means that they bring a 2nd credit card.  Whichever way you go, it’s very easy to break your budget at Maryland Sheep and Wool.  Plan beforehand.  If you are using a credit card, call your provider beforhand and let them know that you might be making purchases that look like they are coming from all over.  Vendors bring their own payment processing systems, and some of them register as being in other states (because the business is out of state).
3. Good Walking Shoes: I forgot this one last year, and I regretted it.  Remember, Maryland Sheep and Wool is not only about yarn, there are also livestock.  Wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
4. A buying plan: You say, “Wait, I already set my budget.” Now, you need to figure out what you need or want: a new spindle? Yarn for a new sweater? Do you want to try out spinning wheels? Figure out what you are looking for so you don’t go home with things you’ll never use.
5. Figure out a way to remember where your car is located: The only detractor for the parking situation at Maryland Sheep and Wool is the rows aren’t well labeled.  Every year I’m so excited I forget to take note of where my car is, and I race in.  Every year I leave the fair and wonder where the heck I parked.  Save yourself a headake and a bunch of walking – remember where your car is.
6. Look at the schedule beforehand and memorize map: It’s much easier to get around Maryland Sheep and Wool if you are familar how the fairgrounds are laid out.  I like to think of the fairgrounds as having two main streets: one where the animals are, and the other where the food is.  Between the two “streets” are most of the vendors, with some scattered at the far ends of the fairgrounds.
7. Make a list of the things you cannot miss: There’s a lot going on a the festival, so take a look at the schedule beforehand.  Do you want to see the sheepdog demo (answer, you do, it’s cool)?  Is there there a talk that’s only happening once?  Decide where you want to be when.
8. Figure out which of your favorite vendors will be there – and the most efficient route between them: If you are at Maryland Sheep and Wool for the shopping, you want to get the best deals and you want to have the maximum choices.  Figure out where the highpoints are, and then plan your route around it.
9. Are you going Saturday or Sunday or both? Saturday has more things going on, but the fairgrounds are more crowded.  The lines will be longer.  Sunday is more laid back, and there are normally less people, but the trade-off is that vendor’s stock is more depleted, especially towards the end of the day.
10. Bring a Sherpa: I joke, but figure out a way to haul your booty.  Planning a mid-day trip to the car? Bringing a significant other?  One person I saw had their own radio flyer wagon for their haul.