Llama-Luv

Last night I stopped by the pre-Fair “An Evening with a Llama” Activities and it was seriously awesome. When I arrived everyone was playing “musical rugs” with their llamas. Kids of all ages were leading llamas around a circle and when the music stopped they had to get the llama to stand on one of the rugs. It was hysterical!

At 7:30 pm, the Llama Open Costume contest began. The costumes were out of this world. I was expecting a hat or perhaps even just a tie on these llamas, but they were wearing full-out, carefully constructed costumes! Annie the llama was a campsite and Bam-Bam was a pirate ship. I learned that the more covered the llama is – tail, eyes, legs, etc—the better the costume score will be. It is important for the llamas to react well to the costumes too!

Not being a llama connoisseur, I asked a few of the folks exhibiting at the Fair to explain why one would have a llama or a llama farm. It turns out, llama fibers are very valuable and make great fibers for knitting, crocheting and felting. I saw some of the pieces made out of the fibers, such as a bag, hat, gloves and scarf, and they looked beautiful and soft.

Another reason for keeping a llama is companionship! There are “PR” or public relations llamas that visit nursing homes, children with developmental disabilities and daycares. These llamas are incredibly well-behaved and know how to avoid obstacles on the ground and little toes.

While llamas can be sweet and gentle, they are also really good at protecting herds of sheep and other livestock. Some farmers keep llamas to protect their livestock from wolves, foxes and other predators. I certainly wouldn’t want a llama to get angry with me!

I spent about 3 hours at the show in all! Check out some of the videos of my new best friends and their owners. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly; most offered to let me “lead” the llama or take the llama out so I could get a better picture with the llama.
This free pre-Fair event should definitely be listed as a “do not miss” activity for your plans next summer! Who knew llamas would be such a hoot?

For Now,
Agriculture Alex