LOCAL NEWS

Alpacas to ‘Blast Off’ at fairgrounds


 The A-OK Alpacas of Oklahoma are hosting their Alpaca Blastoff fall show at the Fairgrounds for the first time this year. This will be the groups fifteenth anniversary show. Alpaca owners will gather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 12-14.
 “Excitement is growing and we now have over 200 Alpacas entered for judging that weekend,” said Debbie Ashley, President of Alpacas of Oklahoma. “We have 54 farms and ranches from 17 states coming to Chickasha to show off their Alpacas.”
 This event includes alpaca fiber vendors, holiday shopping and alpaca judging. Come learn about alpacas and why their fleece is referred to as the “Fiber of the Gods.”
 “There will be vendors as well as several ranches selling products made from Alpaca fiber,” Ashley said. “We will have fiber demonstrations and judging of Alpacas and Youth navigating obstacle courses. The event is open to the public. We ask that you stay home if you are sick or not feeling well.”
 Admission is free to the public and hundreds of alpacas from across the U.S. will be at this event! Check-in is scheduled for Friday, Saturday hours are 9 am to 5 pm when a banquet is held for show participants. Sunday hours are 9 am to noon.
 The competitions now include a traditional fleece show and photo contest.
 Although the initial importation of alpacas into American began in the mid 1980’s, Oklahoma’s Alpaca industry did not begin to mature until the late 1990’s. By 2002, 14 Alpaca farms were active in Oklahoma and it was determined that these Oklahoma alpaca pioneers could best be served by forming their own alpaca organization. Today there are 48 alpaca farms as members of the trade group.
 Alpacas of Oklahoma was formed as an official affiliate of the national organization, Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) in 2004, with the first 14 farms in Oklahoma. Today there are many farms/ranches in Oklahoma.
 For more information, visit alpacasofoklahoma.com.