Charming alpacas and their wares on display at Expo Center this weekend

NILES

The sight of alpacas grazing on Ohio farms used to be a rarity. Not anymore, as this weekend’s AlpacaFest at the Eastwood Expo Center clearly demonstrates.

“We’ve got 260 animals from three states, so you can see how much interest there is in alpaca farms,” said Lori Fish, president of the Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association, which is sponsoring AlpacaFest.

Fish said she is not surprised by the growing number of Ohio alpaca farms, which she estimated at 350. “More farmers have them for breeding, but they’re expanding and getting into [selling] fiber from the alpacas.”

Jo Anne and Terry Leonard agree. They operate Sweet Criations (pronounced cree’ations) Alpaca Farm in Salem. The name is a variation on the Spanish word cria, which means baby alpaca.

“They are gentle and inquisitive, and each has their own personality,” said Terry Leonard, as one of his alpacas, Cupid, poked his head over the cage to see what was going on as if on cue. “There’s just something unique about them,” said his wife.

“What I like most of all is that you don’t slaughter them,” Leonard said. “They just keep giving and giving.” Alpacas can live as long as 20 years, according to the Leonards.

Each one can yield up to 10 pounds of fiber that will eventually be made into scarves, gloves, socks and blankets.

The event continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more on the event, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.