Houchin Family Alpacas in McLean County and Timberview Alpacas in rural DeWitt County are opening up their family operations as a part of the event. 

 

Elizabeth Lord with Timberview Alpacas says their operation has 13 alpacas and indicates she discovered the fleece aspect of the business about a year in and has pursued that ever since.

 

 

Brian Houchin owns and operates Houchin Family Alpacas in rural McLean County and indicates alpacas are specifically raised for their fleece. Coming from the camel and llama family, alpacas allow those that cannot wear wool to wear their fleece.

 

 

Lord says the alpaca industry has started to rebound in recent years.

 

 

Houchin says he is seeing the same thing. He indicates the borders being closed for trade slowed things down but it is back on the incline following the recession.

 

 

Houchin adds with it being Apple and Pork weekend in DeWitt County, he doesn't think it has impacted their attendance for opening up their family operation.

 

 

Both Timberview Alpacas and Houchin Family Alpacas open up their operations for the weekend. 

 

Timberview opens up their operation by appointment only. Lord says they still have some time slots available for the two days. The best way to contact them is through their Facebook page.

 

Houchin Family Alpacas is open to the public 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Visit houchinfamilyalpacas.com for more information.