However, many of us are not in the know about the Llama’s
smaller cousin, the Alpaca. But with many farms in the Valley set to host the
first ever National Alpaca Farm Day, Sept. 29, us who are ignorant as to the
nature of this South American animal will be given the opportunity to learn
more.
“There are so many wonderful things to say about Alpacas,”
said Amy McCroskie, president of the Alpaca Owners
and Breeders Association (AOBA). “However the best way to learn about and
really understand the beauty of these animals is to see them in person.”
Twelve farms and ranches in Valley areas, including
Lompoc, will be hosting informational sessions for people of all ages. The
day’s event will also include tours of the ranches and animals. The ranches and
farms will also have food available for people to feed the Alpacas.
“This event is a great way to introduce the animals to the
public, where they can have a hands-on experience and meet the animals and see
what Alpaca ranching is all about,” said Kathy Palaima,
who owns Silver Spring Alpacas in Solvang.
“We will be doing a
tour, so folks can see how yarn is made and what it takes to get the raw fleece
off of the animals, plus we will have some of our other crazy critters out
there to be viewed,” said Mette Goehring,
who owns Ranch of the Oaks in Lompoc.
“We also are in the process of putting in a ranch store
and it’s going to be our debut, plus I’m hoping to get a knitting group going,”
Goehring added.
Resembling a cross between sheep and its cousin, the
Alpaca is approachable and docile, sometimes giving hugs and kisses to its
owners.
“Alpacas are very nice. They are very individual and some
of them will come over and give you a kiss and then some of them are very shy,”
said Ricky Danus, owner of Silver Sun Alpacas in
Santa Ynez.
Though various farms and ranches will be providing unique
perspectives into the animals, the bond that ties all Alpaca owners seems to be
their love for the animal.
Elizabeth Warynick, owner of
Alpacas De Los Olivos, says that she got into Alpacas
because she started out looking for a companion for her horse.
“When I finally went to see [an Alpaca], I just fell in
love,” she said.
Danus will
be showing off her cria, (baby Alpaca) Antonio, who
has a face imprinted with marks that resemble a mustache.
The day’s events will also feature a raffle prize drawing
and treasure hunt questions at each of the participating farms.
National Alpaca Farm Day is on Sept. 29, and festivities
will start at 9 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. at participating farms.
For more information
about the free event to celebrate National Alpaca Farm Day, visit www.nationalalpacafarmday.com or call Ricky Danus
at 805-637-0637.
Addresses of where you can go.
Humming He’rd Ranch
Charles
& Tina Hawkins,
Michelle
Woodhouse
1681
Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA 93463
www.hummingherdranch.com
805-688-4066
Alpacas at West Ranch
Hayley
Jessup and Joan Speirs
5009 Zaca Station Road,
Los Olivos, CA 93441
www.alpacasatwestranch.com,
805.698.4540
Visitors
welcome year round, please call ahead.
Silver
Sun Alpacas
Ricky Danus
3030
Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez, Ca 93460
805-637-0637,
www.silversunalpacas.com
Ranch
Store and Tours every Saturday
Silver Spring Alpacas
Kathie
and Jim Palaima
1631 Fredensborg Way, Solvang, Ca 93463
www.silverspringalpacas.com , 805-708-3421
Alpacas
de Los Olivos
Ed &
Elizabeth Warynick
2786
Corral de Quati,
Los Olivos, CA. 93441
www.whyalpacas.com , 805-688-5746
Ranch
Store and Tours every Saturday.
Open
Daily December 9th – 23rd
Alpacas
of Cusco North
Bonnie
Ottoman
1630
Linda Vista Drive,
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805
688-1926, botto@silcom.com
6 also Spinning
Star Alpacas
(located at Cusco North).
Hedy Price Paly
1630
Linda Vista Drive
Santa Ynez CA 93460
805-688-1926,
Visitors Welcome.
Please
call ahead.
Ranch of
the Oaks
Tom and Mette Goehring
3269 Crucero Road, Lompoc, CA 93436
www.ranchoftheoaks.com,
805-740-9808
Fiber
animals, Fiber mill and more
Visitors
welcome. Please call ahead.
Kelley
Lucia
Pacific
Breeze Alpacas,
1590 Edsion St, Santa Ynez, Ca 93460
(805)686-7969,
www.pacficbreezealpacas.com
Second Wind Alpacas, Ruthi Moore,
606 Alamo Pintado Road #276
Solvang, CA 93463
Phone: 805-686-5850
www.alpacanation.com/secondwindalpacas.asp
Patchwork
Alpacas,
Sarah
Lloyd Truax
1470
Meadowvale Lane,
(between Hwys 154 & 246)
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
www.patchworkalpacas.com
805-686-8838
Purple
Mist Alpacas
(located at Alpacas at
West
Ranch)
Lena Meurling
Lena.meurling@gte.net
805.708.6231