Last year we introduced a new highlight to the Festival - our Breed of the Year. The goal of this initiative is to educate and inspire both makers and fibre farmers, so that our local fibre flocks expand and flourish!

The Breed of the Year for 2024 is:  Icelandic Sheep

This breed not only has a strong connection to our large human Icelandic population in Manitoba, it is also one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds of sheep.

Between now and September we will be introducing you to the characteristics and history of the breed, and to some of the local farms that raise these beautiful sheep. At the Festival, you can meet some Icelandic sheep in person in the Ag Annex!

LeVerne Tucker of Last Dance Ranch says this about her flock of Icelandic sheep - "As a textile artist I was drawn to Icelandic sheep at first for their beautiful wool, but it was their wild-at-heart charm that truly won me over. Their independence, intelligence, and wonderful mothering abilities are just a few of the traits that I find engaging about this ancient breed." 

Icelandic sheep at Last Dance Ranch

Manitoba grown Icelandic Lopi style yarn available from

2024 Sponsor of the Breed of the Year

Visit Icelandic sheep farm Luckystone Acres during the 2024 Icelandic Festival August 3 & 4

Luckystone Acres is a family run farm located on the northern edge of the town of Gimli, and the home of Gimli’s own flock of purebred Icelandic Sheep. Employing regenerative agricultural practices, Luckystone Acres produces quality local wool and meat from these magnificent animals. Known around the world for their resilience, beauty and versatility, these sheep have roots that go back to the age of the Vikings, and have been bred in Iceland for near countless generations. They fed and clothed the first European explorers to set foot in North America and their wool was even used to make the sails that got them there! 

As part of the Icelandic Festival, you can tour Luckystone Acres to catch a glimpse of these unique and revered animals! Meet this year’s lambs, sink your hands into a freshly shorn bundle of wool, and be a part of the continuing saga as it unfolds in this unique agricultural oasis hidden in the community. 

Once a thriving dairy farm, Luckystone Acres has been transformed into the home of Gimli’s own flock of purebred Icelandic Sheep.

This small, family run farm is uniquely situated near the shores of Lake Winnipeg.  In part because of this, Luckystone Acres employs regenerative agricultural practices to better steward the land and lake that the community relies on.

Luckystone Acres is proud to produce 100% pasture raised and finished lamb, lusciously soft local wool, and other other wonderful products from their flock.

Known around the world for their resilience, beauty and versatility, Icelandic sheep have roots that go back to the age of the Vikings, and have been bred in Iceland for near countless generations.