WESTFORD — From meeting alpacas face-to-face to watching fiber spinning demonstrations and walking an alpaca through an obstacle course, the New England Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association (NEAOBA) hopes this year’s Summer Fest will give visitors a chance to experience a side of farming many have never seen before.
The free event will take place Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds, 55 South Chelmsford Road. Families can enjoy alpaca demonstrations, fiber arts, vendors, food trucks, live music and opportunities to learn directly from local alpaca farmers.
According to NEAOBA board member Keith Tetreault, owner of Plain View Farm, the annual Summer Fest was created to introduce the public to the alpacas and the people who raise them.
“A typical alpaca show is really for alpaca people,” Tetreault said. “We wanted to create an event where the public could come out, meet the animals, ask questions and spend time talking with farmers who love sharing what they do.”
Summer Fest visitors will have the opportunity to meet alpacas up close while learning about the animals’ care, behavior and valuable fiber. Demonstrations throughout the day will showcase traditional fiber arts, including spinning and weaving, while vendors will offer handcrafted goods and agricultural products.
For Tetreault, Summer Fest is about more than introducing people to alpacas. It is also an opportunity to educate visitors about agriculture and where everyday products come from.
“When was the last time you thought about where your clothes come from?” Tetreault said. “People hear about farm-to-table food all the time, but they don’t often think about fiber farms and the work that goes into producing clothing.”
He hopes visitors leave with a greater appreciation for the role small farms play in their communities and the craftsmanship involved in turning alpaca fiber into yarn, clothing and other products.
NEAOBA’s mission is to promote education and support for alpaca owners and breeders throughout New England. The organization includes approximately 45 to 50 member farms and works to connect experienced breeders with newcomers interested in raising alpacas responsibly.
Tetreault said events like Summer Fest also help prospective owners understand the commitment involved before bringing alpacas home.
“We’ve had people come to learn about alpacas who realized they weren’t the right fit for them, and that’s perfectly okay,” Tetreault said. “Education is what we’re here for.”
Whether visitors are interested in farming, fiber arts or simply spending a day with unique animals, Tetreault believes there is something for everyone.
“I hope people leave with a smile,” Tetreault said. “Maybe they discover something they want to pursue, maybe they decide alpacas aren’t for them. Either way, I hope they have a great time and leave with a new appreciation for these beautiful animals and the people who care for them.”
Admission to Summer Fest is free and open to the public. Organizers ask that visitors leave dogs at home for the safety and comfort of the animals.
