Alpaca Llama Extravaganza Jan. 27 at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

MANITOWOC, WI – By popular demand, the Alpaca Llama Extravaganza is returning to Farm Wisconsin for the fourth year in a row. On Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 AM – 1 PM, visitors can enjoy a fun-filled day of meeting an alpaca, a llama, and participating in family-friendly activities.

Farm Wisconsin’s trusted partners, LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch and Black Frog Farm will be on site with their furry companions. Guests will have the opportunity to learn how farms properly care for alpacas and llamas and what fiber products they produce.

“We recognize both the affinity many members of the public have for both alpacas and llamas and also the difficulty they may have distinguishing between these two cousin species,” shares Abigail Winkel, Farm Wisconsin brand manager. “Our annual event provides an excellent opportunity for guests to truly learn from experts in the field.”

In addition, there will be opportunities to learn hands-on about fiber production in Wisconsin. Guests will have the chance to meet Ashley Hagenow, the 76th Alice in Dairyland, and try her activity: “A Difference Worth Feeling”. Participants can put their knowledge to the test and see if they can differentiate natural fiber products based on feeling the texture. Ashley will be prepared to answer all questions about each different textile and what makes them so distinctive.

For guests looking to take a piece of the fiber industry home, there will be a small selection of alpaca and llama-based products available to purchase.

All Alpaca Llama Extravaganza activities are included with paid admission to Farm Wisconsin.

Coinciding with the Alpaca Llama Extravaganza, Farm Wisconsin will host a Yarn Hand Dyeing workshop. This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the art of dyeing wool yarn by hand. The three-hour event, starting at 9 AM, will be led by expert Carol Wagner of Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill. Yarn supplied for the class will be sourced directly from Carol’s flock of Coopworth sheep. All participants will leave with two skeins of dyed yarn.

Ticket prices for the Yarn Hand Dyeing workshop are $62 for Farm Wisconsin Members and $65 for Non-Farm Wisconsin Members. This price does include admission to Farm Wisconsin and the Alpaca Llama Extravaganza. Seats are limited – interested participants are encouraged to register early.