Barrington farm showcases dozens of alpacas

Visitors got to experience dozens of alpacas up close and touch their soft fleece during an open house-style event Saturday at Safehouse Farm in Barrington.

The working farm has 47 alpacas in 22 natural colors, of which the youngest is 13-week-old Annabella and the oldest is 18 years old, said farm owner Linda McGill.

Alpaca fleece mainly is used for garments, such as sweaters.

The farm has a breeding program. McGill said there are three different "levels" of alpaca. "We breed for fineness," she added.

Many of the other farm animals, including horses, sheep and ducks, came from other places because they needed a home, McGill said.

The farm, at 25638 W. Chatham Road, is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. Visitors can tour the place, watch demonstrations, learn about raising and breeding alpacas, and feel the difference between alpaca fleece and sheep's wool.