Sheeplessness Aside, Shearin’ Shindig Set

Valley history buffs are hoping to draw families to Los Encinos State Historic Park this weekend for an old-time sheep shearin’ shindig--complete with sack races, a string band and a medicine show.

But there will be one thing missing.

“Our usual sheep source, well, her house was wrecked in the earthquake and she moved,” said Walter Nelson, president of the Los Encinos Docent Assn.

The absence of the guest of honor aside, the shindig is expected to proceed as planned.

In the 1870s, when Los Encinos was a sheep ranch, the sheep herders would gather annually and follow up the spring shearing with a big blowout. “It was the party of the year in the sheep community,” Nelson said.

Members of the Lively Arts History Assn. and the Los Encinos Docent Assn. are hoping to re-create the historical event Saturday, Nelson said. They will wear period clothing and dance to the folk music of Frank Hoppe and the Hangtown Philharmonic String Band.

Nelson will double as Dr. Miraculo and sell his cure-all at a medicine show. Don’t be fooled--it’s only tap water, he said.

The event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., also will feature card games and children’s activities. Visitors are encouraged to wear western clothing and pack a picnic lunch. A $5 donation is requested to help defray expenses.

The park is at 16756 Moorpark St. For more information, call (818) 784-4849.