Experience The Joy And Charm Of Lamb-a-Palooza In The Willamette Valley
There's nothing quite like spending a Saturday morning surrounded by sheep, and the recent Lamb-a-Palooza at Johan Vineyards in the Willamette Valley brought just that. On May 10, 2025, this annual event kicked off the lambing season, a time when farms welcome their flocks of newborns. However, this year's celebration faced an unexpected twist—no ewes were pregnant.
Despite the absence of newborn lambs, the event buzzed with energy as families flocked to the pastoral landscape of Rickreall. Nathan Wood, the vineyard manager, expressed his enthusiasm for combining the joys of vineyard management with the delightful experience of caring for sheep. He stated, "Vineyards work really well with sheep because we’re dormant half the year. They’re going to go through and while munching all that grass, they’re going to be fertilizing the vineyard." This symbiotic relationship not only helps the vineyard but also emphasizes the charm of keeping sheep.
This year’s Lamb-a-Palooza offered plenty of attractions—children delighted in crafting activities, while adults could enjoy local wine flights. Johan Vineyards’ commitment to providing a free experience for anyone under 21 ensures families could enjoy a fun-filled day without financial concern. Around 100 eager participants attended, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for this quirky celebration.
Past events have featured adorable lambs competing in obstacle courses, a true highlight for many attendees. Though this year lacked the competition, the charm of the sheep still mesmerized the visitors, offering ample opportunities for selfies and interaction. As the vineyard prepares for future events, excitement is already building for the next Lamb-a-Palooza—where they expect a flock of newborns to join the festivities next year.
Johan Vineyards, located at 4285 N. Pacific Hwy W in Rickreall, remains open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., eagerly anticipating the next chance to bring together the community through these delightful animal experiences. If you missed this year’s Lamb-a-Palooza, make sure to mark your calendars for next year and embrace the joy of sheep!
What were your experiences at this year’s event? Did you miss out on the lambs? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!