Dear Alpaca Breeder:

We invite you to participate in our 3^rd annual “Alpaca Showcase & Pen Sale”. Our goal for this event is to educate the public about our incredible alpacas and their exquisite fiber.

Last year, the event was held at a private farm with 15 alpaca breeders participating and over 800 visitors. Because of the wonderful response we are moving the Alpaca Showcase & Pen Sale
 this year to the Hudsonville Fairgrounds, just 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a new venue at a public location in what we believe is a perfect location for marketing. It is near Grand Rapids with easy access to highways and accommodations. This will provide much more space for farm displays, vendors, classes and demonstrations.

This is a free public event and will be for educational and marketing purposes. We promote the event through direct mail to AOBA leads (over 2000 last year), AOBA, GLAA and AlpacaNation websites, press releases, TV, posters, 4-H groups, etc.  Don’t miss this opportunity to market your farm and alpacas to potential new customers.

General Information

Friday, June 9, 1 to 7pm

Saturday, June 10, 9 to 5 pm

Admission and parking for the Alpaca Showcase & Pen Sale
 is free to the public.

Registration Form - Registration Deadline is May 10, 2006

 

Location

Hudsonville Fairgrounds

5235 Parke Ave.

Hudsonville, MI 49426

• Two large buildings have been rented for this event:

  • one with a dirt floor to house animals and farm displays

  • a second with a cement floor for vendors, seminars and fiber arts classes and demonstrations.

• A food vendor will be on site both days offering foods, snacks and beverages.

• Electricity and water are readily available. Please bring your own extension cords.

Accommodations

A block of rooms is being held until May 8 at the AmeriHost Inn only 2 miles from the Hudsonville Fairgrounds. For reservations at $75 per night, please call 616-662-4000 and mention The Alpaca Showcase & Pen Sale. Camping is also available at the fairgrounds at $10 per night.

 

Panels and Stalling

Panels can be rented at $10 per panel directly from Dorane Strouse (616-698-0800) or you can bring your own. Set up can begin as early as Thursday, June 8, but must be completed by 12 noon on Friday, June 9.

 

Health Requirements

For the protection and safety of all animals participating in this event, all animals entering the fairgrounds must have a Health Certificate signed by your veterinarian and proof of a negative PCR or VI test for BVD.

 

Activities/Schedule of Events:

Activities/Competitions:
     Shearing Alpacas
     Toenail Trimming and Other Animal Husbandry Topics

     Fleece Skirting and Sorting 

     How to Show Alpacas

     Fleece Comparison-Suri vs. Huacaya

     Alpaca Skein Competition

     Alpaca Fiber Project Competition

     Obstacle Course

     Open Entry Alpaca Fun Show

 

Seminars:
     Alpaca Basics-Barb Martinie & Cheri Parks

     Tax Benefits-Linda Wiersma, CPA

     Alpaca Fiber Seminar-Rita Johr

     Veterinary Tips-Dr. Susan Meyers, DVM

     Alpaca Investment-Rich Kruithoff

                

Fiber Arts Demonstrations:
     Spinning

     Knitting

     Felting

     Weaving

     Dying

To Register for the Alpaca Showcase & Pen Sale, please complete the registration form and return it to the address on the form.

Further information can be obtained from any of these sponsoring farms: