Kickin' Back Alpaca Ranch

Breeders of fine grey alpacas

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto

We recently volunteered to man the Alpaca Ontario booth for one day at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. What a great experience! There was a lot of curious interest in the alpacas, and others who were serious about alpacas and the fibre. We never had more than a few minutes of quiet time. Thanks to Henry Mengers of Andre's Alpacas for allowing Cido and Bota to stay at the Royal, they are both very "personable" alpacas.

Carolyn took her spinning wheel and was amazed at the number of children who were interested in how it worked. She had raw fibre and carders so was able to show the process from start to finish, with samples at various stages so they could see and touch everything, and some took a few bits of fibre with them. Spinning and knitting are really making a comeback, people of all ages are getting into knitting and they love the alpaca yarn.

The most unusual question of the day? "Why would you breed a sheep to a pony?"