History of Lamb Day

lambdayhistoryLamb Day originated in 1932. Once known as Wool City and “the richest little city per capita in the U.S.,” Fountain Green boasted 100,000 head of sheep.

But the little town saw hard times during the depression with lamb selling at 4 cents per pound and wool at 10 cents. Sheepman had to pay freight and ride with their livestock to Denver to make delivery. It made sense to promote local lamb consumption and, thus, the annual Festival was inaugurated.

Each woolgrower donated a lamb to be barbecued, and for many years lamb sandwiches were distributed for free. The Local L.D.S. Ward managed the celebration in the 1940’s to finance a new chapel. When that was accomplished, the celebration was turned back over to the city who ran it until 1968 when a volunteer committee of four took over. The Lamb Day Committee has continued to oversee the celebration with proceeds helping to fund many city improvements.