By Blake Jackson
More than 300 alpacas are set to gather at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, for a lively weekend celebrating these unique animals and the fiber industry.
The event will feature two concurrent halter competitions-the Great Midwest Alpaca Festival and the Wisconsin Alpaca and Fiber Fest-held in separate show rings inside New Holland Pavilion 1. This dual-show format allows exhibitors to have their alpacas evaluated by different judges, offering broader insight into their breeding programs.
During the competitions, judges will assess each alpaca’s movement, structural balance, and overall conformation. In addition, a walking fleece show will focus on the quality of the animals’ fiber, with judges examining characteristics such as texture and uniformity.
Beyond the shows, visitors can take part in a variety of educational and hands-on experiences. Fiber arts classes will demonstrate how alpaca fiber is transformed into a wide range of products, while seminars will cover essential topics like nutrition, health, and animal care.
The event will also host more than 40 vendors offering an assortment of alpaca-related goods, including yarn, clothing, handmade crafts, and home décor.
A special highlight is the alpaca selfie booth, where guests can take photos with the animals for a small fee.
Admission is free, with parking available for $10. For more information, visit https://www.wisconsinalpacafiberfest.com/.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, General