Mukuti Stud Alpacas

An excerpt from the
NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ALPACA BREEDERS’ SOCIETY
May 2018 Volume 5, Issue 3
and Contributions by D. Braunlich, V. Hinsch, M. Botha

Stallholders began setting up at 8.30 and the first visitors started arriving at 9.30 despite the board announcing 10 am. Everyone was ready for the onslaught!
Stallholders included Stonehill Originals and MUKUTI Stud alpacas, as well as several ladies that were selling yarn under different brand names

Lorna had estimated between 800 and 1000 people on Saturday the first day of opening. A staff member operating a “clicker” was the official counter.

Visitors were greeted by Lorna and her team at the top of the entrance path with her halter-trained alpacas. She gave an overview of the alpaca industry and the animal itself. She distributed new SAABS brochures and had some of her animals on sale as well.

Guests moved through the stable courtyard where stallholders were set up, then out through the door on the opposite side to meet Scharlie who introduced visitors to the crias and talked further about alpacas. Debbie reports that the atmosphere there was lovely, visitors were en-amoured with the alpacas, especially the crias.

The courtyard surrounded by the stables was the ideal place to accommodate the stalls. Refreshments on offer during the day included coffee, pancakes boerewors rolls and craft beer … much fun was had by all!

A few local Indie yarn dyers showcased their colourful yarns – and they too noted the fantastic turnout with a constant hum of friendly folk enjoying the outing – squishing yarn and cooing at fluffy alpacas. All were grateful to Lorna for the exposure.

Ohio Farm was an inspiring venue. The 4 dyers who exhibited were Madeleine (Yama Fibre Art), Karen (Miss La Motte), Samantha (Dye House Yarns) and Gina (Stellar Fibreworks). They hope to be there again at the next Alpaca Day!

The weather was absolutely perfect for a day out in the country – even a few gusts of wind later in the afternoon could not spoil the day at all.

Manfred did a sterling job ‘manning’ Mukuti’s stall while Verena’s spinning demos attracted many interested in the works and finer tricks in and with the creation of yarn. We had a good spread of pure alpaca yarns, natural colours and some fashionable dyed yarns; mittens and beenies were the flavour of the day – we were sold out by end of the day and very happy and grateful on a successful day. The MUKUTI Alpaca Team enjoyed the interaction with the visitors; lots of exchange of interesting facts, laughter and chat made our day even more of a special event.

Thanks to all who contributed and made this a wonderful experience. Thank you to the people of Noordhoek and surrounds for welcoming us to your lovely valley. Hope to see you next year again!