Yankee Shepherd Fair
May 12th, 2007 by lisa
Alpacas, Llamas and Angoras, Oh My!
We went to the Hopkinton Fairgrounds today for the 30th Annual Yankee Shepherd Fair and Alpaca Fest.
There were many sheep, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, border collies and a goat or two. We watched a sheep dog competition and training demonstrations. When Paul and I get a house and some land we want to keep alpacas. They are smart, gentle, friendly and so very soft. It was encouraging to learn that they don’t need as much space or food as you might expect. Of course, we want to keep goats and sheep and chickens and… well, you’ll see when we finally ‘get there’.
There were a variety of wools, fleece, fibers, spinning wheels and looms. Also plenty of finished garments and sculptures to purchase and admire. I didn’t buy anything, but I was certainly tempted by all the lovely yarns available, and all the beautiful finished garments. I especially loved things made with the alpaca fleece, as it is so unbelievably soft. Maybe next time.
We got there early and avoided the crowds that showed up later in the afternoon. There were lots of demonstrations to watch - dying wool, spinning, weaving and other things. It only cost $5.00 for admission and parking was free. It continues tomorrow, if you live around here and you’re interested.
Here is a small video I took. It was part of the demonstration on training sheepdogs that we watched.
