Using short blasts on a red whistle, Mike Perry directed Tex the border collie around a field at Soule Homestead on Saturday, May 17.

Perry, Tex and a third border collie Dakota were conducting a sheep herding demonstration — part of Soule Homestead’s Sheep Day, a family-oriented fundraising event. Over 100 people showed up for the picturesque day of hot dogs, live music, craft vendors and several sheep-oriented activities.

Across the farm from Perry and the two border collies, Aaron Loux stood with six sheep and a set of shears — ready for his own demonstration.

Loux sheared two sheep per demonstration as families looked on and asked questions. He said depending on the size, shearing a sheep generally takes him between two and five minutes but that the fastest shearers in the world can do it in under a minute.

The sheep he sheared were actually Perry’s, part of the herd he brought with him for the dog herding demonstration.

“There are five or six sheep but they’re not the main focus of the farm,” said Jeff Stevens, former member of Soule Homestead’s board of directors.

While there are only a few sheep, Soule Homestead is home to a wide range of vegetables, goats, butterflies, chickens, trails and a multitude of other natural attractions.

All the funds raised from Sheep Day will go toward supporting the preservation and operations of the organization’s Education Center.

Loux shared a brief history of sheep in Massachusetts, saying in the past, huge populations filled the countryside.

“There were mills in every town in Massachusetts. Over time those have gone out of business,” said Loux.

He added that while Merinos are the most popular breed of sheep for their soft wool, they don’t do well in the northeastern climate. Instead most Massachusetts sheep have a coarse wool texture that fares better in wet weather.

As Loux’s shears snipped, the Plymouth Rock Music band played classic songs to families picnicking near the community gardens.

“It’s been a successful day — not too hot, not too cold and no rain, which is the most important thing,” Stevens said with a smile.