Irish Wolfhounds

The Northern California Irish Wolfhound Club was formed in 1974.

The beginnings of Irish Wolfhounds can be traced back as early as 273B.C. through ancient woodcuts and writings. Ownership of these great hounds was highly restricted. They were sent as highly coveted gifts to emperors, kings, nobility and poets.

Hunting and fighting filled the life of the early Irish, and master and hound alike excelled in both. Of all the animals cherished in Ireland, only the Irish Wolfhound appears as a symbol throughout the land - on every jar of Tullamore Dew Whiskey, on every piece of Belleek porcelain, sixpence coins and even postage stamps feature the Irish Wolfhound. Come by and see these beautiful animals.

www.nciwc.us

Mountain & Moorland Ponies
Come visit with these beautiful and unique ponies from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. Hailing from the romantic “mountains and moors” of their native countries, these ponies are rare in the United States but versatile and talented with fine dispositions – the perfect mount for adults and children alike! A variety of the nine traditional breeds – Connemara, Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, Highland, New Forest, Shetland, and Welsh - all raised locally by dedicated enthusiasts, will be represented and provide exciting demonstrations.

www.NPSAmerica.org

Celtic Lurcher Dogs
In Britain, during the Middle Ages, only the nobility could own and breed purebred dogs like Greyhounds, Deerhounds, and Wolfhounds. Crossbred pups were unwanted except by the peasants and gypsies who trained the dogs to poach game from the royal forests. Hunting in these forests was a hanging offense so the dogs were trained to bring the kill home for the pot, often providing their families with their only source of meat.

In 1999 Niki Maxfield spent two weeks in Wales and was introduced to Lurcher dogs. Niki says, "I was completely won over. I have had dogs all my life but these Lurchers were amazing!" This introduction began a journey that would grow into a passion for introducing Lurcher dogs to North America. We invite you to visit us and meet these extraordinary dogs

www.celticlurchers.com

Flying Mule Farm

Combining Old World traditions and modern technology, Flying Mule Farm produces the only USDA certified grass-fed lamb in the Sierra foothills. Using a cross-breeding system developed in Great Britain, we raise crossbred “mule” sheep that are well-suited to our climate and our Sierra vegetation. We make extensive use of traditional herding techniques, relying on our border collies Taff, Mo and Ernie to help us in our day-to-day shepherding. We also help aspiring shepherds learn about sheep husbandry and working border collies.

During the KVMR Celtic Festival, Flying Mule Farm will exhibit a variety of sheep breeds typically seen in the British Isles, including North Country and Border Cheviots, Dorsets, Bluefaced Leicesters, and crossbred “mules.” We’ll also be demonstrating the use and training of border collies – our own and those of our apprentices.

www.flyingmulefarm.com

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release return this year with their beautiful birds of prey. They are dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Each year their team successfully releases over 100 different species of native wildlife, including mammals, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians. As a non-profit, they are completely funded by volunteers and by generous individuals. With no paid staff all their funds go directly to helping wildlife.

www.cawildlife911.org