Denver Alpaca Shows to Feature Nation's Best Alpacas May 3-5, May 17-19

DENVER - March 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Alpacas, alpacas, alpacas…hundreds from across the country are coming to Denver for the 11th Annual Great Western Alpaca Show (GWAS) & Fiber Fiesta May 3-5 and the National Alpaca Show May 17-19.

Thinking of raising alpacas or just curious about these gentle animals that originally came from South America? Plan to attend GWAS (hosted by the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies, ABR) and the National Alpaca Show (hosted by the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, AOBA), two of the largest alpaca shows in the country, at the National Western Complex in Denver.

Last year, alpaca breeders from 26 states brought more than 1,000 of their best alpacas to compete in GWAS and this year’s show is expected to exceed those numbers, according Heather Cram, ABR event manager and alpaca owner. “The show features an exciting array of events and informational seminars surrounding the show to provide attendees with a fun and productive weekend,” she says. “ This is the 11th consecutive year for our show, and each year it gets bigger and better.”

The Great Western Alpaca Show is an AOBA Certified Level V Halter Show, Performance and Obstacle Show, and Level II or III Fleece Show. Adults and youth will show their animals in the various competitions.

Alpacas were first introduced into the U.S. in 1984, and are now successfully raised throughout North America and abroad. Initially designated as “exotic species”, they are now classified as livestock. Alpacas produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers—soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. Colorado is home to more than 500 alpaca farms.

GWAS also includes The Fiber Fiesta with free alpaca product vendor exhibits and demonstrations, a photography and alpaca related art competition as well as a full schedule of half and full-day fiber classes (fee required) conducted by an impressive line-up of instructors.

The AOBA National Alpaca Show will feature conformation and fleece judging; artisans will showcase alpaca fiber and examples of felting, fiber arts and spinning; vendors and farm displays will sell the latest alpaca fashions and hand-crafted items; and the National Alpaca Auction, the premiere event of the year for the North American alpaca industry, will take place Friday, May 19.

Admission to GWAS & Fiber Fiesta is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. For more information, visit www.alpacabreeders.org.  Admission to the AOBA National Alpaca Show is also free and open to the public Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. For more information, visit www.alpacainfo.com .

About AOBA

Headquartered in Nashville, TN, the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) serves to facilitate the expansion of a strong and sustainable alpaca industry through the growth and development of the national herd and its products. Since AOBA’s formation in 1988, its membership has grown steadily to more than 3,500 members.

About ABR

ABR had its beginnings in Colorado in 1994 and in 1996, became a member of the national association, AOBA.  The purpose of ABR is to support its members through education, marketing events and public awareness. For more information, visit www.alpacabreeders.org.