October 19th, 2011
Alpaca Farm, C & C Alpaca Factory, Halloween with the Alpacas, Saturday, 10/29, Sunday, 10/30, Lewes, Delaware
I knew I had found something interesting when talking to Chris Reachard he mentioned that he had an Alpaca Farm. Would I like to go and visit? How could I refuse such an invitation, especially when there was the mention of a new arrival on the farm?
The word Alpaca immediately sent me to Peru. These animals were treasured by the Incan civilization. They could be found on the high Andean Plateau and the mountains of South America. They were first imported to the U.S. in 1984.
There are 2 types of alpacas; Huacaya and Suri. The difference? The Huacaya Alpaca is fluffy, like a teddy bear. The Suri Alpaca has long shinny locks, very soft, slightly curly hair.
Alpaca fleece is the natural fiber harvested from an Alpaca. They produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is soft, like cashmere but warmer; lighter and stronger than wool; weavers and spinners use it worldwide. It is really so silky, durable, and has no lanolin, therefore, it is hypoallergenic. Designer, Armani is known to use it for his men’s and women’s suits.
So, on Sunday I went off to C & C Alpaca Factory, 17219 Sweetbriar Rd., Lewes, DE. Tel. 609-752-7894. The website is being revamped but if you do want to check it out, you can go to www.openherd.com and scroll down through the farms until you reach C & C Alpaca Factory. Chris Reachard is his name along with Christian Addor, the other partner. They belong to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). You can e-mail them to Chrisreachard@yahool.com. From Rehoboth and Lewes, take Rt. 9 towards Georgetown, DE and when you see the intersection where Hopkins Creamery is located, then turn right. That road is Sweetbriar Rd.
Michael, my son, was my partner in crime on this outing. When we arrived the first thing we saw were the male Alpacas on the left. They were separated from the females. On Sunday there was going to be some breeding in the afternoon.
Cooper was so cute and he was very aware we were checking things out. The Alpacas on this farm are the Huacayas.
Towards the back we saw the only Llama. Its name? Ruby. The only difference between a llama and an alpaca is the bone structure; the llamas being larger.
Chris and Christian are eager to show everyone their farm. You can come anytime on Saturdays and Sundays. They are always there.
The farm also has a small shop, where you can buy yarn, scarves, hats, and other related items associated with the alpaca fleece.
Shoe liners, keep your feet dry.
Then, among those alpacas Medianoche stood out. The baby was just so gorgeous. Running and happy to be part of the herd.
One baby per year. Gestation is about 11 1/2 months.
Chris and Christian had a farm in New Jersey where they raised goats and turkeys. Then, they became acquainted with the alpacas and learned everything about them. Having family in the Lewes and Milton area, they decided to move back home.
They are getting immersed into the community. Kids and neighbors love to stop by. They are also involved with some therapy work, using the alpacas as instruments for relaxation, especially with special needs children.
An Invitation to You:
Halloween with The Alpacas on Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Alpaca Farm.
For this event the farms involved are: C & C Alpaca Factory, Misty Meadow’s Alpacas, G-Pa’s Paca’s, and Morning Star Alpacas.
Activities: Spinning, weaving, dying, felting, crocheting, and knitting. Adult costume and child costume competitions.
Trick or Treat for the kids. Stroll through the farm store and the vendors for all your Alpaca shopping needs (yarn, roving, rugs, and many handmade items).
This is their first event and, hopefully, a tradition will start.
The Alpacas had the cutest faces. They liked to be touched on the neck, as well. And they hum. That’s their sound….
Oh, I almost forgot…a couple of horses also make the farm their home.
Have a good one…talk to you later…
Note: Some information for this post was taken from Wikipedia and www.alpacainfo.com.
Tags: Alpaca Farm, Alpaca Farm in Lewes, alpaca yarn, C & C Alpaca Factory, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Events, Halloween With The Alpacas, Lewes, shopping for alpaca handmade items, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
