On Sept. 23 and 24 alpaca farms across the country will participate in National Alpaca Farm Days. During this weekend, families will have the opportunity to visit the farms where they can get up-close to alpacas for a hands-on experience. Visitors can learn about the animals and their history, how to raise them, their fleece and the products made from it.
Alpaca farm owners will be happy to offer tips and suggestions to visitors who might be interested in beginning their own small alpaca operation. People will learn the cost of having an alpaca and the tax benefits.
A Slice of Heaven Alpacas in Randolph will be open for one day only during National Alpaca Farm Days. Visitors are welcome to stop in on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Owners Mike and Sue Bean will offer tours of the alpaca areas and are excited to introduce their new cria, Bentley and Boomer, that are about two months old.
The Beans enjoy educating visitors about these amazing, beautiful, gentle animals, the products made from their fleece, the tax benefits of owning alpacas, and showing visitors the cria (babies) everyone loves to see. There will also be demonstrations on the felt loom and spinning.
“We will be selling homemade chili, donuts, cider and coffee with all food proceeds going toward the Randolph Community Cupboard,” Sue said. “We’ve done that every year and this will be our sixth year.”
While visiting the farm, check out their Simply Natural Gift Shop on the premises where visitors can sign up for drawings to win a number of alpaca products.
A Slice of Heaven Alpacas is located at 11144 Pope Road, in Randolph. Regular business hours are Monday and Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 358-5242 or email sandmbean@windstream.net. Find them online at asliceofheavenalpacas.com and Facebook.
SUE AND PAUL Mager of Little Valley invite the public to their farm for the Alpaca Farm Days weekend. Paul said they have an alpaca due to deliver over the weekend so, if the timing is right, visitors may have the opportunity to witness the birth of a cria.
During the open house, people can learn all about the history of alpacas, alpaca farming and they’ll have hands-on opportunities. There will be tours and an obstacle course demonstration with an alpaca — similar to what people see in competition. There will also be spinning and knitting demonstrations. Visitors will enjoy the gift shop with lots of yarn and homemade items.
The Magers have owned and operated Mager Mountain Alpacas for 15 years. Paul said they have been raising alpacas longer than anyone in the local area — so long that most of their herd was born on the farm. Because if this, they are not afraid of humans and are more friendly than the average alpaca.
Sue said because their animals are so friendly their alpaca farm is a popular destination for school children eager to have a hands-on experience with the animals.
“When we first started our farm and people came, some had never heard of alpacas. The first thing they would ask is, ‘what do you do with them?’” Paul said. “Now people know about them and understand what they are for because there are a lot of alpaca farms around.”
Mager Mountain will be open during regular business hours offering visitors an extra day during this special weekend. Hours are Friday, Sept. 22; Saturday, Sept. 23; and Sunday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Call 938-9077 for additional information.
Find an alpaca farm online at alpacainfo.com. Each farm will offer different attractions, demonstrations and activities. Please note that not all participating alpaca farms are listed.
(Contact reporter Deb Everts at salpressdeb@gmail.com.)
