Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, is getting ready to say goodbye to its beloved flock of Finnsheep as the annual Sheep Leaving Parade marks the end of the 2026 grazing season. The event celebrates the environmentally friendly program that has used sheep instead of lawnmowers to maintain 12 hectares of parkland at Legacy Park since 1992.
The sheep have been grazing in the park and around the Fort Heritage Precinct since June 11. On August 30, residents are invited to join the procession as the flock heads home for winter. The afternoon features music, fun activities, and a chance to feed the sheep carrots after the parade.
This year’s flock of about 50 sheep has been cared for by shepherds Marc and Natasja Steinbusch and their family. They took over the program in 2021 after the retirement of long-time shepherds Ralph and Kathy Playdon, who managed the flock from 1993 to 2021.
The City of Fort Saskatchewan operates the Sheep Grazing Program, which began as a pilot project in 1992 to manage vegetation on former railroad land. The program has become a major tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors weekly and earning national media attention as a symbol of small-town charm and sustainability.
Residents are encouraged to bring carrots to feed the sheep following the parade. The event is free and suitable for all ages, offering one last chance to see the flock before they leave for their winter pasture.
