‘Touching is Believing’ at Lippencott Alpacas open house
LIPPENCOTT – What animal has 22 natural colors, fluffy fleece or silky dreadlocks and makes a humming sound? Alpacas!
Greene County has long been known for its wool fiber, but Lena Galing hopes families will come out to Lippencott to learn more about the county’s other fiber.
During the Lippencott Alpacas open house on Sept. 28 and 29, Galing is planning a weekend full of hands on experiences for families to learn about alpacas and fiber related crafts.
“Touching is believing!” Galing said. “The focus is on fiber. By educating the public about this amazing fiber in a comfortable and fun way, events like ours help to raise the awareness of the alpaca industry in general.”
The last weekend in September is National Alpaca Farm Days and Lippencott Alpacas chose that weekend for its fifth open house. From 1 to 5 p.m. each day, they hope to influence more people to buy alpaca clothing, learn fiber art skills and possibly enjoy the lifestyle of owning alpacas.
“Many surprise features are awaiting you, including the ‘Amazing Knitting Chair’ for all,” Galing said. “So come and spend an afternoon at Lippencott Alpacas down on the farm.”
Although the rolling hills of Greene County are a long way from the Andes mountains, where alpacas originated, about eight years ago Galing started with five alpacas. The animals have flourished and the farm has had as many as 34 alpacas at one time.
The farm is down to 25 now after sales of some of their animals.
On both days of the open house, visitors will be able to view handling, training and feeding techniques with the alpacas; learn to knit, spin and crochet for free with the Lippencott Knitting Group; and enjoy the hayrides and kids’ hay area.
There will also be hands-on drum carder, dying fiber and spinning demonstrations.
On Saturday, visitors may be chosen to be a model for the popular alpaca fashion show.
There will be a shearing demonstration on Sunday only.
The two most recent additions to the herd were born the end of May and the middle June.
They, along with a beautiful black alpaca, will be sheared on the hour between 2 and 4 p.m.
The Lippencott Alpaca Store will be open both days offering a variety of alpaca fiber hats, blankets, scarves, socks, gloves and yarns. Alpaca fiber sweaters will be sold at 10 percent off on both days.
Also available both days will be food and drink vendors, including Moore’s Hot Dogs, Thistlethwaite Vineyards, and Ann’s Apple Pies.
Lippencott Alpacas is located at 265 Meadowbrook Road just two miles from Greene County Country Club and five miles from Interstate 79 at Ruff Creek Exit 19.
For more information, call Lena Galing at 724-852-4084 or visit online at www.lippencottalpacas.com.