The Hunter River Times

BY MEREDITH BLAIR

Rosie, the mascot lamb, is ready to lead the grand parade at this year’s Festival of the Fleeces, donning her iconic red woollen socks and red scarf.

But why red socks?

Three years into the Festival of the Fleeces when the running of the sheep became a regular part of the program, the committee received a donation of 200 red socks.

“Someone had the idea to put them on the sheep and run them down the street and that’s become the big thing,” Stall Coordinator Kim Clydsdale told The Hunter River Times.

Rosie has been a part of the Merriwa spectacle for the past five years after taking over from her predecessor, Josie, and in the lead up to the Festival, owner Allan Wright has been bringing Rosie down to Merriwa’s main street and walking her on a lead in preparation for the big event.

“She thinks she’s a dog, the way she walks on the lead along the main street with Allan and will stop for people,” Kim said.

Though she tries to lead the parade, she is sometimes overtaken by other enthusiastic sheep running in the parade.

So, keep an eye out for Rosie in the Parade and around the festival, you might be lucky enough to catch her.