Alpacas have coexisted with humankind for thousands of years. The Incan civilization of the Andes Mountains in Peru elevated the alpaca to a central place in their society. The imperial Incas clothed themselves in garments made from alpaca and many religious ceremonies involved the animal.
Alpacas are, however, relatively new to the United States when compared to other livestock. First commercially imported in 1984, there are now more than 250,000 registered alpacas in North America.
Alpacas and alpaca enthusiasts, as well as fiber art enthusiasts, gather from several states for the Empire Alpaca Association and New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Showtacular. This year, the show will be held Oct. 20 to 22 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
What better way to learn more about the alpaca industry than to talk to hundreds of breeders and meet their alpacas face-to-face, all in one day? Now you can. And it’s FREE!
Hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Alpacas from across the United States will be featured in the show ring competition which will be comprised of classes judging conformation and fleece quality in many categories for both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.
On Saturday, there will be youth-oriented seminars, fiber arts competitions for our younger participants and many fun-filled activities at the youth stalling area.
All day Sunday, one show ring will be dedicated to youth exhibitions and activities.
Throughout the weekend, artisans will showcase alpaca fiber and examples of felting, fiber arts and more. Dozens of vendors and farm displays will sell the latest alpaca fashions and hand-crafted items. With something for everybody, this is a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind holiday surprises for your loved ones.
About the Empire Alpaca Association (EAA)
The EAA is the New York Regional Affiliate of the Alpaca Owners Association. EAA strives to educate and bring together alpaca breeders throughout the state. EAA works hard to create educational and marketing programming that will benefit all owners and breeders. Their mission statement is: “To promote, educate and support alpaca breeders, owners and enthusiasts of New York State.”
For more information, visit empirealpacaassociation.com.
About the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (NEAOBA)
Founded in 1995 by alpaca owners from the six New England states. The alpaca lifestyle and the spirit of New England have formed a special bond here that is very much alive and well. In addition to the superior genetics of the region, we have a tradition of providing long term, on-going support and services on very personal levels. We invite you to visit a member farm and catch the spirit of the New England alpaca.
For more information, visit neaoba.org.
