Alpacas to charm Devon County Show visitors

A new family-friendly alpaca feature will be unveiled for the first time on the third day of the Devon County Show (May 21-23) at Westpoint, Exeter.

Visitors will be able to get close to the woolly South American animals as part of a day of activities and demonstrations to help them ‘get to know alpacas better’.

Alpaca steward Gary Sanders said: “We felt alpaca showing, though interesting to those in the know, can be a bit dull to the public.

“A shearing demo will allow us to explain what the animals and their fleece are about and an obstacle course will show the visitors how easy they can be to handle.”

There will be an opportunity for visitors to lead some of the alpacas, all veterans of the show ring, around a short obstacle course for a small fee for charity.

The long-legged animals, which are related to camels, are native to the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile. They're bred for their fine silky fleece which is knitted into ponchos and jumpers, scarves and blankets.

Alpacas are known to be curious animals and are often used on farms to guard flocks of sheep and goats against wild dogs and foxes.

More than 95,000 visitors are expected at the 120th Devon County Show for what promises to be an entertaining and informative event celebrating Devon food, farming and country life.

Attractions include:

• Magnificent animals of all shapes and sizes
• Delicious local food and drink
• Non-stop entertainment including the Bolddog Lings motocross display team
• A shopaholics’ paradise
• Farm Wise Devon for children
• Inspirational Westcountry crafts and handicrafts
• Spectacular floral and garden displays and demonstrations
• Traditional, historic steam engines and vintage vehicles

The family-friendly Show is offering free entry adult for two children, aged five to 15, per adult on Saturday (May 23rd), the first day of half-term.

For more information, visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk or call the tickets hotline on: 01392 353700.