DATE: 11/2/05

CONTACT: Charles Williams, arena director, (864) 646-2717,  or (864) 646-2718

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

First annual Alpaca show set for Garrison Arena

CLEMSON -- The first annual Palmetto Alpaca Classic 2005 is scheduled at Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena for Nov. 19-20.

The show will begin Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. and will run to 5 p.m. On Nov. 20, the show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

More than 200 alpacas from around the southeast are registered to attend.

The events will include a halter, fleece and performance show. The performance classes will consist of an obstacle course, showmanship and costume contest.

Alpaca merchandise will be available for sale and a variety of vendors will be on site with their merchandise for unique Christmas shopping. Also, there will be demonstrations of knitting, spinning, weaving, and other fiber related arts by local fiber artists.

A silent auction will be held for a host of items from alpaca garments to vacations, as well as hourly door prizes. There will also be activities and crafts for children. Plus the children will get a change to see and pet the animals.

The Southeastern Alpaca Association and the Alpaca Small Farm Network are sponsoring the event.

For more information, contact Karen Roberts at (864) 967-2553 or by email at blackberrypastues@earthlink.net. For more information about the Alpaca Small Farm Network, visit online at: http://www.asmallfarmnetwork.org/ or http://www.asmallfarmnetwork.org/pacpubinfo.htm

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