Alpacas! MABA Alpaca Celebration, Nov. 14-15, 2009 Westminster, MD

(PRWEB) November 5, 2009 -- Most people don't know there are over 65 alpaca farms in the small state of Maryland. Worldwide, there are approximately 3 million alpacas, with 99% living in South America. Eventually the US will have a large fiber production herd, but right now with only 125,000 US registered alpacas, breeding farms are more the norm. The number of alpaca farms continues to grow as more people discover the rewards associated with owning these enchanting creatures.

Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5000 years, and they are valued for their exquisite, soft fiber, shorn once a year. This fiber is incredibly lightweight and warmer and stronger than wool. The highest grade alpaca fiber competes favorably in prestige with cashmere.

Some US owners have as few as three, inexpensive, non-breeding alpacas on several acres. Others who decide to get into breeding have more, and most are involved with local and national alpaca networks and marketing groups. Most alpaca owners had little or no livestock experience and were looking for new challenges and a different quality of life. Because the industry is still fairly new, there are many creative opportunities for new owners to bring previous life experiences into this field.

On November 14 and 15, 2009 over 300 will be on display at the Carroll County Agricultural Center and Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD. Here's a chance to see these incredibly soft animals up close as well as take in a wide variety of activities. There will be over 90 area farms bringing their finest to compete for best fleece and conformation as awarded under the AOBA National Certified Show system.

This is the second year for the Maryland Alpaca Breeders Association (MABA) Celebration. Several new events have been added this year including the MABA Alpaca Products Showcase. Visitors will be able to view and purchase locally produced yarns, fiber and rovings, and handcrafted alpaca products. Spinners and knitters can bring their wheels and needles and join in the Sit & Knit and Spin-In area! Lots of great mentoring opportunities for those novice crafters as well as a fun way to meet other artisans. Everyone is sure to enjoy the two costume classes on Sunday at 1:00. Children and adults will be parading their alpacas in full gala as part of an exhibition. For those wanting to know more about alpacas, sit in on free seminars including Learning about Suris--the other alpaca, Alpaca 101 and more. Check the website for information.

The MABA Celebration is sure to have something for everyone, whether visitor's interest is focused on becoming an alpaca farmer or just wanting to see and touch an alpaca or purchase a locally handcrafted alpaca item. Spending time around these animals makes it very easy to get the alpaca bug. They are smart, endearing, unusual, and will melt hearts with their big, doe like eyes.

MABA Alpaca Celebration

November 14 - 15, 2009

Open Saturday 9 - 5

Sunday 9 - 3

Carroll County Agricultural

Center

Westminster, MD

www.MarylandAlpacas.org

Free Parking, Free Admission

Something for everyone!

Sarah Donahoe

Long Acres Alpaca Farm

717.328.3937 or 491.0036

Sarah(at)LongAcreAlpacaFarm(dot)com

Nancy Lake

Alpine Alpacas

301.393.5878

info(at)AlpineAlpaca(dot)com

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