Alpaca Showsto experience alpaca shows! We are going to have so much fun together! You may be a first time visitor or a first time exhibitor. Or you may have been to several shows, and still cannot figure out what is going on. Either way, we can help you out! Let’s take care of survival basics first. The most important thing that you need to know is that these shows are freezing cold! You see, the alpacas are wearing their luxurious fur coats so the facilities are well air-conditioned for their comfort. We do not want our alpacas sweating because sweat makes the fleece really limp especially if the fleece is extra fine (like our alpacas!) So, bundle up! The good news is that these shows are free for the general public. However, there may be a parking fee. Food is usually provided by the facility so that you need not go hungry or need to leave because your stomach is growling so loudly that it is disturbing the judges. LOL Now that we have taken care of clothing, cost, and food, let’s move on to the alpaca show itself. Before even thinking about taking your alpaca to a show, assess your alpacas and pick out the best alpacas. Alpaca judges evaluate conformation and fleece. Which of your alpacas have ideal conformation? Which of your alpacas have desirable fleece characteristics? Then, you will want to train your alpacas on a halter and on a lead. Believe me, it is so much easier in the show ring if your alpacas are as well-trained as possible. Now you can pick out your alpaca shows! Alpaca shows are usually certified by either of two organizations: American Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) or one of their state affiliates, and Alpaca and Llama Show Association (ALSA). These organizations make sure that their show meets their high quality standards. You may also find independent shows, too. You need to decide what class type and what show size you are interested in attending and participating. Level IV and V shows are the largest and most prestigious, but more difficult than the Level I, II and III shows. The smaller shows are less threatening for the first time exhibitor. There are many types of classes to consider at alpaca shows.
Here are Sierra and Knight Shine participating in a costume class.
They are representing a doctor and a swine flu patient with pig ears, pig tail, and bird wings! How cute!
Now, you can look for AOBA shows and ALSA shows near you. Everything that you need to register for the show can be found at the website for your particular show. Registration normally closes about a month before the show. So, make sure to register early. Sometime during the month before the show, you will need a veterinarian to examine your alpacas and to provide a Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection or CVI for short. Your alpacas must be registered in the Alpaca Registry (ARI) and must be microchipped before the show. Normally, you will arrive at the facility on a Friday afternoon. Here is the typical schedule. First, your paperwork will be checked. Then, you set-up your stalls and settle-in your alpacas. Next, you take your alpacas to color check where the fleece color at the skin will be assessed to make sure that they are in the correct color class. While you are in the show ring, take a few minutes to get your alpaca familiar its surroundings. You will receive a farm packet – make sure that you have all numbers for your alpacas. If you have any problems or concerns about your alpaca classes, bring it up to the show superintendent Friday. Do not wait until Saturday! Some shows will have an evening meal where you can relax and talk with other alpaca owners and breeders. Sometimes the cost of this meal is covered by sponsors, but sometimes you need to pay in advance during the registration. Finally, you will attend the manditory exhibitor meeting where you will learn what the judges are expecting and how the show is organized. Whew! Time for a good night rest! Next morning is show time! Arrive early to feed your alpacas, and to double check the schedule to make sure that classes have not been combined or split. You should have noticed several show rings. Each show will configure these rings a bit differently. There may be one ring for females and another for males. Or there may be one ring for suri alpacas and another for huacaya alpacas. Either way, these two rings are used for the halter classes. Then, there may be a third ring for showmanship classes and performance classes consisting of obstacle classes, public relations classes, costume classes, and optional fun classes. Occasional alpaca shows will even have a fourth ring for walking fleece classes. In addition, you may see another area of the facility for alpaca fleece judging and alpaca fiber arts judging. Take a few minutes to figure out where you need to be when. Throughout the show, keep tabs on the progress of the classes so you do not miss your class. Arrive a few classes early so that you and your alpaca are not feeling rushed and stressed. If you are just visiting or if you are waiting for your class, grab a hot chocolate, and have a seat on the bleachers, and enjoy the alpaca show! When you need a break, you can visit the alpaca vendors. You will see plenty of alpaca products.
Many of the farms even provide treats to entice you to their stalls. Go ahead and take that piece of chocolate and talk to the alpaca owner. They will most likely invite you to look at their alpacas. Always take every opportunity to learn more about alpacas. Wow! There is a lot to see and do at alpaca shows! Since we live in southern Ohio near Cincinnati, we have participated in alpaca shows close to us. Here are our favorite alpaca shows.
If you are in our area, please contact us if you plan to attend any of these shows so that we can meet you in person and show you the ropes in person. Now you are ready for your first alpaca show! Return to Top of Alpaca Shows Page
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