Alpacas are small South American relatives to the llama and alpaca fleece is in demand for several reasons. The fiber is very resilient and extremely good insulation. The accolades being tossed to alpaca fiber range from "smoother than silk" to "warmer than goose down." Alpacas produce fleece in a wide spectrum of colors which reduces the need for dyeing and in turn produces a hypoalergenic garment that is incredibly soft against your skin. And besides all that, they are simply fascinating animals to look at.
"My husband and I have taken our animals to Canton during the Trades Days weekends and have actually come back hoarse every time from answering all the questions people ask," Sharlene Parks explains. "These guys draw a crowd. Plus, we love showing our animals at various competitions - the thrill of having the judge call you into the winners circle is hard to beat!"
Brian and Sharlene Parks were very particular in selecting their small herd and they were also very selective when it came to processing the fleece.
"We partner with Royal Fiber Spinnery, Ruidoso, New Mexico," Mrs. Parks continues , "which is the result of several Alpaca growers concerns and demands that North American fiber be processed in North America. One concern was that there wasn't a economical place to get fiber processed. Additionally, cleanliness of fiber was of great concern. After exhaustive research into the processing of fiber, several growers came together to form a company whose business plan would solve those concerns."
The Incan culture is credited with refining the domestication of these versatile animals and developing two types of fleece, Huacaya and the Suri, which is much more rare. The Parks farm will have examples of both on hand Saturday afternoon. They even have a couple of baby alpacas, including one that is only a week old.
"We want to offer an oppurtunity to those in our community, to not only see these incredible animals, both Suri and Huacuaya, but also to understand the reason for raising them," Sharlene says. "Yarns and finished product made from their fiber will be here to see and touch, as well as printed information for those interested in becoming part of the industry. This event will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, with free hot dogs and soft drinks. In the event of rain bring umbrellas as event will not be cancelled due our alpaca's scheduled shearing the following weekend."
Directions to event: U.S.82 to CR 1743 (Windom Rd), then north on 1743 app. 2 miles to CR 2950. Go west on CR 2950 app 3/4 mi. Then just follow 'Alpaca' signs to the animals.
