Midwest alpaca exhibitors compete in Grayslake

The 5-foot-tall fluffy creatures begged to be cuddled and hugged as they waited with their owners on the showcase floor at the ninth annual Northern Illinois Alpaca Extravaganza at the Lake County Fairgrounds last weekend in Grayslake. The show brought alpaca exhibitors and breeders together from five states across the Midwest.

“We have almost 400 animals here this weekend,” explained show organizer Larry Johnson. “They show against like animals of the same age and the same color. A judge assesses them on fiber characteristics and their body structure.”

The handlers stood nervously in the show ring as the judge went from one alpaca to another, touching its fleece, looking at teeth and legs, and watching the animals as they walked around the ring. Finally, the judge handed out ribbons and explained his decision on the qualities of each alpaca.

“It was kinda hard because Graciela was moving around a lot,” said Hunter Koopman, 8, of LaPorte, Ind., after winning first place for showmanship and the obstacle course. “She is very nice and she listens to me a lot. We like to walk together.”

Alpacas resemble small llamas and originate from South America. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, much as wool is.

“I've seen a wedding dress made from alpaca fiber,” said Peg Stephens of Henryville, Ind. “Curtains, drapes, socks, gloves, seat cushions. Anything that you can make, you can make from alpaca fiber.”

Walking around the pavilion, small groups of breeders from various states gathered near stalls to talk about their alpaca farms and the reaction of their show animals in the ring.

“We have a really good time,” Stephens said. “We really enjoy being together as a group because we make so many new friends.”