Heather Welch of Island Alpaca Co. appeared in person to receive her award for winning the photo contest to be published in the 2009 Massachusetts agriculture calendar. Two of her photographs will appear in the 2009 calendar.

The ceremonies took place yesterday, Sept. 18, at the Big E Fairgrounds in West Springfield.

Ms. Welch has also taken a first place and was awarded a blue ribbon for the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association national conference photo contest. Her winning photo of Island Alpaca Marle Strikes a Pose will be featured in the Fall Edition of Alpacas Magazine.

Other photographs submitted by the farm have been awarded a second and third place, and will also appear in the magazine.

Copies are available at Island Alpaca Farm Store after Sept. 20.

Island Alpaca Co. is a breeding farm of 49 alpacas, featuring self-guided walking tours, with a farm store with locally-grown alpaca yarns, and locally knit products, located at 1 Head of the Pond Road in Oak Bluffs.

Call for hours: 508-693-5554