Alpaca Days 2010 - Alpacas, the Alternative Livestock: Join Us April 10, 11 for Alpaca Farm Days in Hagerstown, MD.

(PRWEB) March 24, 2010 -- Do you know there are over 65 alpaca farms in our 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, but right now with only 150,000 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.

Most people don't know that alpacas have been domesticated for over 5000 years. Alpacas 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 April 10 and 11, 2010 eleven area farms will be on display at Annapaca Farm, 10702 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

10:00 - 4:00 both days, Free

Here's your chance to see these incredibly soft animals up close as well as take in many activities. Some of these activities include spinning and felting, handling of alpacas, weaving, and alpaca obstacle course demonstration. There will be an alpaca seminar both days entitled Alpacas 101, An Introduction to Raising Alpacas. In addition you'll have to chance to win wonderful prizes in the free raffle and support the Humane Society of Washington County through their Pet Product Raffle. And don't worry about getting hungry as Virginia Barbeque will be providing their wonderful genuine southern barbeque!

The Alpaca Days ¼10 is sure to have something for everyone. There will be female and male alpaca males for sale, alpaca fleece and yarn, a large variety of alpaca garments and alpaca related products. Visit our website at www.HagerstownMarylandAlpacas.com for information.

Contact:

Nancy Lake - Alpine Alpacas

info(at)AlpineAlpaca(dot)com

301-393-5878

Sarah Donahoe - Long Acres Alpaca Farm

Sarah(at)LongAcresAlpacaFarm(dot)com

717-328-3937

Bert & Ann Kramer - Annapaca Farm/Alpaca Shop LLC

Carlos Escudero - Alpacas Carlos

Kim Caruso - Antietam Alpaca Co.

Jeff & Beth Hull - Cherry Run Farm/Paca Gear

Jim Michaels/Lauren Petersen - GAR Alpaca Co.

Jay & Dori Brown - On a Whim Alpaca Farm

Mark & Jean Widder - Stone Meadow Alpacas

Dave Riser - Long Meadow Alpaca Co.

Leslie Hendrickson, Marketing Specialist, Washington Co. Agriculture

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