LITTLE VALLEY - The Mager Mountain Alpaca Farm, owned by Paul and Sue Mager, will host a 10th anniversary open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Amanda Grabowski will be giving spinning wheel demonstrations as well as sharing her stories with the audience. New will be an "alpaca kissing booth. " Greg and Nancy Whalen of Amore' Alpacas will take a picture of those participating with an alpaca. There will be balloons and games for prizes. Refreshments will be available to benefit the Smile Train Charity.
On Sunday, Cathie Bridges CPA of R.A. Mercer and Co. will give an informal tax seminar on the tax advantages and income sheltering potential of owning alpacas. The So Soft Gift Shop will be open with the latest alpaca fashion.
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The Mager Mountain Alpaca Farm will host an open house on Sunday.
Submitted photo
The Magers have an extensive stock of alpaca products, including socks, sweaters, capes, hats, mittens, texting gloves, Pronk Bears, fur boot covers and rugs. Featured are knitted items made with fleece from their own animals by Nancy Blessing, fiber artist.
"When we started raising alpacas 10 years ago," said Paul Mager, "visitors had no idea what an alpaca was, where they came from or why we raise them. We like to make our farm an Alpaca adventure for visitors to see these magnificent animals up close and learn their history and what great products we can harvest with out harming them."
Although 80 percent of alpacas are white, the Magers' herd has alpacas in many of the breed's 23 natural colors. Their herd of 32 alpacas and two llamas also include five rare grey alpacas and 10 baby alpacas.
"People love to watch the crias (baby alpacas) run and play. Sometimes I even let people hold one," Mrs. Mager said. "Their faces light up with huge smiles and they always say, 'oh they are so soft.'"
Mager Mountain Alpacas are located on Mountain View Drive off Routes 242 and 353 in the east end of Little Valley. For more information, visit magermountainalpacas.com or call 938-9077.