Alpacazona Farm’s open house features alpacas, spinning, vendors

What is more fun than spending some time feeding alpacas, seeing weaving demonstrations and shopping for unique Christmas gifts offered by vendors?

Maricopans can do this and more at Alpacazona Farm’s 4th Annual Open House on Saturday and Sunday.

Residents and their families can meet and feed the alpacas (carrots will be provided) while learning more about the timid and gentle creatures.

Alpacas were treasured by Incan royalty, but their numbers diminished with the end of that civilization. In recent years South America has allowed the export of alpacas. An average adult alpaca weighs from 100 to 175 pounds. Wonderful pets, they have a life span of about 20 years.

The open house will feature spinning and carding demonstrations, and guests can also test their craft skills.

Alpacazona Farm’s owners, Claudia and Brian Klaus, moved to Maricopa almost eight years ago. What began with Claudia’s hobby in fiber arts, weaving and spinning, led to the couple attending an alpaca show in Anthem. They bought Godiva, their first female, a few weeks later, and their business began.

The couple is dedicated to growing and improving their small huacaya herd and learning about alpacas.

For additional information, call 520-568-1946.

If you go:

What:  Alpacazona Farm’s 4th Annual Open House
When:  Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:  33117 W. Peters and Nall Rd.

Submitted photo