This weekend the Lippencott Alpaca farm will be holding its 13th Annual Open House from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free as well as parking. Once you arrive however, they will ask you how many people are in the car as well as your zip code.
“There are usually 200-300 people that come out per day depending on weather,” said the owner of the Lippencott Alpaca Farm Lena Gailing. “So, a total of 500-600 people this coming weekend, we just ask that there are no dogs on the property.”
The theme for this year is “Wishes Come True at Lippencott Alpacas”. During the open house there will be food, alpaca demonstrations, and opportunities to ride the alpacas, selling fibers and other alpaca products and an area for kids to play in the hay.
“There will be hay rides for everyone and kids will be able to play on hay bales too,” said Gailing. “I will be doing shows with the alpacas as well and letting people ride them all over our property.”
Even though this is the 13th annual open house, it’s the 11th year of the National Alpaca farm day. Gailing added that the Alpaca Farms have the option to celebrate for one day or both days of the weekend.
“It’s a fun day, it’s a family day, it’s a fiber day,” said Gailing. “If you are nervous, alpacas calm your every nerve. Some people even drink their morning coffee with their alpacas. Hopefully this will be another successful weekend.”
The store will also be open for people to come and buy things that are made out of alpaca fibers and fur. Some of the items there for sale will be alpaca clothing, sweaters, vests, socks, gloves, scarves, stadium seats, yarns of all sorts of colors, alpaca kits that kids can make and stuffed animals made in Peru.
“The difference between alpaca wool and sheep wool is that alpaca fiber is softer and sheep fiber can be itchier than what alpaca fiber would be,” said Gailing. “The main thing is alpaca wicks away water better than sheep wool. Even though it does well, alpaca does better. Your skin is dryer and warmer.”
Gailing and her husband had up to 31 alpacas a couple of months ago, but that number has since dropped down to 11.
Food will also be provided for people in attendance to buy.
“A new guy will be providing food which will be pulled pork and hot dogs,” said Gailing. “5 Kidz Kandy will have candy, ice cream, and walking tacos. My friend, who was a teacher with myself in Germany, will also have homemade apple pies.”
Gailing hopes to have another great weekend full of fun and great memories for everyone in attendance.
“The community supports us 100 percent,” said Gailing. “Every event we go to, people always want to see the alpacas, we are promoted on the radio now and at McCracken Pharmacy. Everyone seems to bend over backwards for us, which is phenomenal. The community has been very good.”