Island Alpaca’s well-decorated herd sire, Estrada, won a first place position in his age and color category for his fleece from the Empire Alpaca Association Fleece Event and Fiber Symposium in Syracuse, N.Y. recently. He also was awarded the highly coveted championship (all age groups) in a class of 36 alpaca. All but three alpaca were younger competitors to Estrada, an overwhelming number to challenge for most older alpacas.

Island Alpaca Farm’s grey herd sire, Magic’s Talon, was also awarded the first place blue ribbon for his fleece, in his color class as a five-plus-year-old alpaca.

At the Empire Fiber Arts competition, Island Alpaca had submitted the work of a number of local artists, and the results again were impressive; recipients of four additional first-place blue ribbons were: for her hand-knit hat, Anna Marie D’Addarie, of Oak Bluffs. For his best hand-spun yarn, Philippe Morin of Vineyard Haven; for crocheted accessories, alpaca booties by Evelyn Ronchetti; and finally a headband, handmade by Luise Ronchetti. Congratulations to all!

Tomorrow, on April 16, the farm will host an alpaca birthing/neonatal clinic with Dr. Cheryl Dewitt, and its fourth annual shearing day will be held next Saturday, on April 23.

To learn more about alpaca and alpaca ownership, call 508-693-55554 or visit islandalpaca.com online. Island Alpaca Co. is open daily from 9 to 5 p.m. near the blinker in Oak Bluffs.