Michigan Alpaca Fest

We are thrilled to again offer a DOUBLE SHOW at the 27th Michigan Alpaca Fest April 12th&13th 2025! The Michigan Alpaca Fest & Mi-Mitten Meltdown will be held at the Allegan County Fairgrounds site of the Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan MI. As we celebrate our 27th anniversary our non-profit association offers fun for the whole family for free! Visitors will find over 150 alpacas in one place! Come see these beautiful animals watch youth and adults compete with their alpacas from all across the country. Did someone say Alpaca Costume Contest? Come see for yourself! Meet alpacas up close and learn more about alpacas than you ever have before. PS- Please leave your pets at home and enjoy your time with these furry friends! There will also be an artisan fair featuring products made from alpaca fleece demonstrations of spinning & other fiber arts food & beverages on site. We look forward to seeing you there! April 12th and 13th 2025 @ Allegan County Fairgrounds Allegan MI (site of the Michigan Fiber Festival) Hours for the public Saturday 8 am-5 pm Sunday 8 am - 2 pm Events this year include: 

● 2 Halter Shows 

● Youth Showmanship 

● Youth Public Relations

● Youth Performance (Obstacle Course) 

● Alpaca Costume Contest (Saturday @ Noon) 

● Walking Fleece Show 

● Silent Auction 

● Artisan Fair

More info at https://mialpacafest.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michiganalpacafest/ 

An alpaca is a domesticated South American camelid that is closely related to the llama guanaco and vicuña. Alpacas are primarily raised for their soft and luxurious fleece which is used in making various textiles and garments. They are native to the Andes Mountains of South America particularly Peru Bolivia and Chile. They are highly valued for their soft fleece which comes in various natural colors including white black brown and shades of grey. 

There are two main types of alpacas: Huacaya and Suri. 

● Huacaya: The most common type of alpaca known for its dense crimpy fleece that gives it a fluffy teddy-bear like appearance. 

● Suri: Are known to have long silky locks of fleece that hang down in dreadlock-like twists. 

Alpacas are herbivores feeding primarily on grasses and hay and they are known for their efficient digestion. They have a unique three-chambered stomach that allows them to extract maximum nutrients from their food. Alpacas are prized for their gentle nature intelligence and relatively low-maintenance requirements. They are social herd animals and are often kept in groups on farms or ranches. In addition to their fleece alpacas are also valued for their use as therapy animals. They have gained popularity worldwide not only as a source of fiber but also as beloved companions on farms and ranches. The Michigan Alpaca Fest is where alpaca breeders and owners gather to showcase their animals compete in various categories and socialize with others in the alpaca community. These shows often feature competitions in conformation fleece quality and performance. Alpacas are judged based on criteria such as their body structure fleece characteristics (such as fineness density and uniformity). At MiAF we are offering agility and public relations performances for youth. Visitors to these shows can learn about different alpaca breeds observe the diversity in fleece characteristics and appreciate the beauty of these unique animals. Alpaca shows provide breeders and owners with the opportunity to assess the quality of their animals compare them with others in the industry and potentially win awards or recognition for their breeding efforts. Additionally these events serve as educational platforms for those interested in learning more about alpacas and the alpaca industry. Alpaca shows can be regional national or even international in scale attracting participants and spectators from various parts of the world. They are not only competitive events but also serve as social gatherings where enthusiasts can share their passion for these gentle and fascinating animals. Come share this special event with us.

Host or Publisher Michigan Alpaca Fest