Just want to recap some of our events past and present.
Minnesota Alpaca Expo April 4-5, 2009
The first week-end of April we attended the Minnesota Alpaca Expo in Owattona, MN. What a fun show it was for us. We showed 9 animals and came home with 9 ribbons! Our granddaughter, Emily came with us and was able to show a few of the animals in the big ring. She was so excited! She is only 9 years old but has been showing in the kids events since she was 5. It was very fun for her and for us.
Circle of Friends Field Trip to Pure Country Alpacas
On Monday & Tuesday, April 6th & 7th, we hosted a field trip for the Circle of Friends pre-school from Prior Lake. What a fun time for Butch and myself and the kids. We had 216 kids participate in two days. Because of the cold weather, we had everyone in the barn for a short history lesson on alpacas and then introduced them to the alpacas. The children were all so excited to be able to pet the animals and talk to them by humming. Very Cute! We encourage and invite all schools and preschools to book their field trips to our farm. We include an educational lesson and then introduce the animals to the students. They are allowed to pet and mingle with the alpacas. Each student left with a coloring sheet and a small bag of fleece. We look forward to having them back again next year.
Shearing 2009
That time of year again! Our shearing date is set for Friday, May 1st. It's always a full day of work for us but also nice to have it over. The animals appreciate their warm winter coats removed. So much fun to see them running and jumping and rolling in the pasture. Will post before and after pictures.
Shepherd's Harvest 2009
We are again this year participating in Shepherd's Harvest during Mother's Day weekend. We have had a vendor's booth at the event for the past 3 years. If you haven't attended in the past, you should make plans to attend this year. Anything you every wanted to know about fiber, you will be able to learn at Shepherd's Harvest. Our Minnesota group hosts an alpaca fleece show. I have submitted 4 fleeces this year so will see if we get any ribbons. Last year, our male, Dakota's Blizzard won the blue and champion for the white class. Very nice! Shepherd's Harvest takes place at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. Come on out and check it out. Bring your money as there is always something to buy - if not alpaca products, then food!
First Baby Arrived!
Our first baby arrived on August 1st - a little suri boy. We had bred mom to a grey, hoping for a little grey cria. Well, he's not grey but a medium fawn. He was eating grain at about two weeks and is now mounting the younger girls. He's only a little over a month old!! Very advanced for his age, I'd say! He is full of the dickins - bothers all the females and wants to neck wrestle. Needless to say, the moms and younger girls let him have it when they get sick of him. Very cute though - but full of mischief! Keeps us entertained.
Minnesota State Fair - 2009
We will once again have our alpaca exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. Local alpaca breeders are encouraged to exhibit their alpacas and showcase their farms for a day at the fair. Our Sales group is also gearing up for the Alpaca Sales booth. Will add more info as we get closer to the date. Come and see us at the Fair.
Update to the State Fair: What a great time we had at the State Fair. Attendance records were broken. Weather was beautiful - not a drop of rain!! Crowds were huge. Sales were fantastic! All exhibitors had a great time. We even had exhibitors from Wisconsin and Iowa. Everyone love the alpacas. Butch had a great time with his microphone and squirt bottle - (you had to be there) . Come next year for a repeat performance.
Carlos Creek Winery Grape Stomp - 2009
Another great time at the Winery in Alexandria. Alpacas are always a hit. Weather was hot, hot, hot! Sales were great on Saturday but crowds thin on Sunday due to heat. I'm sure all the lake people were taking advantage of the nice weather and getting in their last time and enjoying the lake before the cold weather hits. We will be attending the Apple Fest at the winery again this year on October 10th. It's a fun day - come see us if you are in that area.
Crofut Winery - Jordan
We will be putting up a display at the grape stomp at the Crofut Winery on Saturday, September 19th. First time there and looking forward to touching base with the local crowd.
2009 Farm Tour/Alpaca Boutique/Arts & Craft Festival
September 26th & 27th (Saturday & Sunday)
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:p.m. No Charge - Everyone Welcome
Come and Kiss an Alpaca!!
Please join us for our annual Alpaca Farm Tour and Boutique. This year we are hosting a mini art/craft festival with a few local artists showcasing their talents. In attendance will be Windy Acres Woodworking, Exquisite Jewelry by Shari, Sudz (handmade soaps, lotions, etc.) by Michelle, and more.
Farm tours will be available along with some children's activities and spinning and fiber demonstrations. Our own yarn, roving and raw fiber will be available for sale and we will, of course, have our beautiful line of alpaca clothing set up to view and purchase. This will be a fun event for all ages - so load up the car and come on out!! We will again be collecting food for the Scott County Food Shelf, so please bring a food donation if you can.
