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Furry fun at Alpacapalooza

| 23 Sep 2013 | 02:08
    Photos by Scott Baker Eclipse the alpaca comes in for a closeup before going back out to the obstacle course.
    Photos by Scott Baker Eclipse the alpaca comes in for a closeup before going back out to the obstacle course.
    Vickie Zelizo, who teaches weaving, knitting and dying at Hidden Acres, explains how to use a loom.
    Vickie Zelizo, who teaches weaving, knitting and dying at Hidden Acres, explains how to use a loom.
    An Awesome Alpaca Adventures 4-H club member walks Eclipse through the alpaca obstacle course.
    An Awesome Alpaca Adventures 4-H club member walks Eclipse through the alpaca obstacle course.
    Adrian Raichel and Julian Rogai, of Delaware Water Gap, Pa., spend some time with Zak the yak.
    Adrian Raichel and Julian Rogai, of Delaware Water Gap, Pa., spend some time with Zak the yak.
    Angora goats and rabbits were also on display.
    Angora goats and rabbits were also on display.

By Scott Baker
BRANCHVILLE — For the second straight year, Hidden Pastures invited guests to Alpacapalooza — “a festival of wine, live music and everything alpaca.”

During the event, farm owners Mike and Natalie Burger opened their doors to guests to not only learn about alpacas, but all aspects of fiber animal agriculture.

As fiber animals need to be handled, brushed and combed more than any other livestock, “they are very used to lots of love and attention,” Natalie said.

Among those proving her right were Zak the yak — who often stretched his neck to be scratched by passersby — several angora goats and rabbits, and nearly 100 alpacas on the 24 acre farm.

On hand were several demonstrators, who showed how to knit, use weavers and looms. George’s Wine & Spirits also provided refreshments and local jazz-trio Meant to Be played music.

Guests were invited to get up close and personal with the alpacas by entering the animal pens for a $5 donation to the Awesome Alpaca Adventures 4-H club. Funds raised will be put towards the club’s trip to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Nationals, being held next year in Harrisburg, Pa., where the students will have a chance to compete for national recognition in events like the obstacle course — which Eclipse the alpaca demonstrated several times throughout the day.

“It’s very exciting for the kids to have a chance to be a national champion,” Natalie said.

While the National Alpaca Farm Days event is coming up on Sept. 28 and 29, Natalie explained that Hidden Pastures celebrates their event a week earlier in order to avoid conflicts with other farms in the area.

On the horizon is Hidden Pastures’ holiday extravaganza, being held in early December. During the event, families will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Alpaca Claus and kids can make alpaca-themed holiday ornaments.

For more information on the farm, visit www.hiddenpasturesalpacas.com or call the farm at 973-948-6800.