Pninah and Libby, two of the 15 alpacas at Brook Farm.
This Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28, alpaca farms across the country will celebrate National Alpaca Farm Day by sharing their love and knowledge of these unusual animals. Here in the Valley, three alpaca farms have joined forces to put on a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Brookfarm Alpacas, Alpaca Shire and Alpacas of Sonoma will host a weekend-long festival at Brookfarm in Glen Ellen, where the public is invited to immerse themselves in alpaca culture. Spinning demonstrations, felting projects and knitting will take place throughout the weekend, with alpaca yarn available for purchase for visitors who find themselves inspired. Guests will be able to pet the alpacas, ask questions, shop for handmade alpaca products and learn about the business of alpaca farms and utilizing alpaca fiber.
“Alpaca fiber is wonderful,” said Debra Emery, owner of Brookfarm. “It’s softer than wool and naturally much cleaner. It has hypoallergenic properties and can wick water away. It’s warmer and lighter than wool, not to mention beautiful.
”It has a very distinctive quality,” she added. “You can tell when something is made from alpaca fiber, as rare as it is, just because it’s so beautiful.”
Emery and her husband, Mark, began Brookfarm Alpacas in 2006 when he retired and they began to look for a good use for the land they had inherited.
While the Emerys knew little about alpacas, Debra had a keen interest in yarn and was a lover of knitting and animals. But with the help of experienced and friendly alpaca farmers, as well as the Internet, Emery’s farm came together. Today it is home to 15 alpacas. “My friend jokes that they’re like potato chips, you can’t have just one,” said Emery, laughing.
As the festival approaches, Emery is excited to share her experiences with the public. “This is a national event and is a really great opportunity for farm owners to open their arms. I’m really looking forward to sharing our love of animals with the Valley.”
Brookfarm’s Alpaca Days will be Sept. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Brookfarm is at 8150 Sonoma Mountain Road in Glen Ellen. For more information call 707.996.0350.
