So we spent last weekend at the VAOBA Expo near Richmond, VA where I was one of the featured speakers (Alpacas 101) and Tom, the crazy Cuban was selling our new DVD, "Alpaca Care for Beginners - We Walk You Through It."and showing previews from the movie on a laptop. He did a good job; Alot of people bought our DVD which made us VERY happy.
There was a little condensation on the roof of the pretty tent we were located in so it would be kind of drizzly in there in the morning. Tom, never one to worry about being thought of as a crazyman by others, insisted on repeatedly throwing a sneaker at the tent roof every morning to knock down the "rain" before setting up our stuff. Some of the more normal alpaca people found this daily show to be pretty amusing, while others just looked on aghast and directed pitying looks my way.
This was a super great show! I could not believe that, the first time this show was ever held, there were over 400 entries, the faciility was gorgeous and the whole thing went so well! There were free lectures all day, each day, a lot of good vendors including Quality Llama Products who had all the last minute stuff you forgot to bring to the show like grooming wands, those bolo ties that have clips at the end to hold your show number and lot's of halters, t-shirts, books, etc.
There was also a raffle, a silent auction with a lot of good stuff including hand knit alpaca sweaters for dogs (donated by yours truly) and a lot of free breedings to excellent herdsires:
They also had a hand crafter's spin off competition, one of my most favorite alpaca fleece show contests!
Right next to our vendor space was Dr. Karen Baum, a very popular and well-known VA alpaca veterinarian who also lectured at the show. Her practice is called, Little Docs Veterinary Care and she writes many good alpaca veterinary articles in addition to lecturing. Too bad she seems to have no website!?!
I was enjoying having Dr. Baum's very friendly and pretty llama next to me. This guy greeted everyong quite cheerfully but seemed especially attracted to this adorable little alpaca girl:
Mr. Llama also had a smitten admirer of his own, my daughter, Cassandra.
Our son Nick, helped out a great deal and, as usual, did it with a smile on his face.
I always try to find my friends at alpaca shows and annoy them by taking photos of them. This show was no exception. I caught my friend Jovi Fiber Genix Surisexiting the show ring with a blue ribbon.
Here is another friend, Chuck Ives ( Alpacas of Nottingham Hollow ), showing off his red ribbon:
Here is a showring shot of several people. On the far right is Cindy Aldridge Shepherd's Purse Alpacas to her right is Diane Six Morning Moon Alpacas, another serious fleece person - we need more of these! and second from left is Chuck Ives.
Also caught up with two of my favorite people, both of Wildwood Alpacas, Sue Hammer
and Judy Howe (Judy Helped run this show! - Great Job Judy!)
Speaking of people who ran the show, one person who did a gigantic amount of work to put on this very good show was Sue Ives ( Alpacas of Nottingham Hollow ):
I did not get photos of Dawn Dolpp Mada Vemi Alpacas or Jo Overbey (Rock Chimney Farm Alpacas ) but I was thrilled to see them there. I never did find Amanda Schwab of Little Wing Farm Alpacas and was bitterly disappointed about that. I was also a little disappointed to catch my friend Lois Pocock Shady Nook Alpacas involved in a parking lot drug deal with Dr. Baum. Shady indeed! (Yes, this IS, of course, a joke!!!!)
If there had been a prize for cutest hairdo, I am certain it would have gone to Barrie Padgett and her gorgeous hairstyle a la "Romeo and Juliet."
Most unusual pattern seen on an alpaca at the show??? I'd have to give that prize to this cutie whose owner I don't know.
Alpaca whose owner is most likly to go bonkers when they see how dirty he's gotten? This guy! This always happens BEFORE you show the alpaca!
Coolest logo? I LOVED this one:
Well, I had a great time and hope I get invited back next year to this show. A Big Thank You to all the people who worked hard to put this show on! But, enough of this manure,
Time to get back to work!
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