Is there such a thing as a National Alpaca Farm Day?
Absolutely. And it sounds magical. Scheduled for Sept. 24 and
25, National Alpaca Farm Day is presented by The Alpaca Owners and
Breeders Association.
Gilroy – Is there such a thing as a National Alpaca Farm Day?
Absolutely. And it sounds magical.
Scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25, National Alpaca Farm Day is presented by The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, an enthusiasts group that promotes public awareness, education and membership appreciation of the alpaca’s unique qualities, according to the organization’s website.
The event will be celebrated locally for the first time in Gilroy by seven different alpaca breeders, who will all gather in one place to host an alpaca extravaganza of sorts. The two day gathering is free to the public and will be hosted from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at R&R Ranch at 325b Denio Ave. in Gilroy. R&R is owned by husband and wife alpaca breeders Richard and Robin Vasquez.
Self described “paca-holics,” the Vasquezes have one of the largest holistic operations in the state of California, harvesting an average five pounds of fleece per alpaca once a year come shearing time and selling it to co-ops for $10 to $80 a pound. The couple has around 140 of the animals, including seven brand new babies.
“We’ve had a baby every day for the last two weeks,” said Robin. “Things have been busy.”
Alpaca Days will feature hands-on experiences to touch and interact with the “loveable, docile, eco, green livestock,” according to Robin Vasquez. Alpaca owners will educate visitors on the quizzical alpaca – a close relative of the camel and llama, as well as demonstrate how to hand-card fleece, use a drop spindle and perform wet and dry felting. A children’s craft table will be set up, in addition to a shopping area with raw fleece and alpaca products. There won’t be any food at the event, but drinks will be available.
The list of ranchers attending the event include Shekinah’s Alapacas from Gilroy, Redwood Ridge Alpacas from Los Gatos, cutting Edge Sur Alpacas from Los Gatos, Ridgecrest Alpacas of Watsonville, Southern Cross Farm of Gilroy and Rusty Pumpkin of San Martin.
Read a past feature story about R&R Ranch.
