• Article Photo. Many children and some adults enjoyed a ride on a cart pulled by llamas during annual event.
    Many children and some adults enjoyed a ride on a cart pulled by llamas during annual event.
  • Article Photo. Many alpacas & llamas were as interested in watching people as the people were interested in them.
    Many alpacas & llamas were as interested in watching people as the people were interested in them.
  • Article Photo. Steve Auld of rural Van Horne talks about alpacas with a visitor Saturday.
    Steve Auld of rural Van Horne talks about alpacas with a visitor Saturday.
  • Article Photo. Karen DeVries of Parkersburg weaves a shawl for Vicki Goble using yarn from one of Vicki's alpacas.
    Karen DeVries of Parkersburg weaves a shawl for Vicki Goble using yarn from one of Vicki's alpacas.
  • Article Photo. The Great Pyrenees Rescue also participated. This dog is named Duke.
    The Great Pyrenees Rescue also participated. This dog is named Duke.
  • Article Photo. A variety of yarn and other items made from Alpacas was available for sale.
    A variety of yarn and other items made from Alpacas was available for sale.

Every year, alpaca and llama-raising becomes more popular in Iowa and in other areas of the U.S. 

And every year, the annual llama and alpaca open house at Bear Hollow Alpaca farm northeast of Vinton gets bigger.

Vicki Goble, with the help of family, friends and other alpaca lovers, organized the fourth annual event at the farm on Saturday. Several hundred people came to see the llamas and alpacas, shop for wool which the owners collect from their animals, and to learn more about the industry. 

Steve Auld of the Auld's Luminious Llamas near Van Horne and his llama gave rides to many children. 

Noble said the event allows the showcasing of alpaca and llama raising, as well as the things made from alpaca yarn. Several Iowa farms were represented at the annual event. There were also sheep, goats and even representatives from the Iowa Great Pyrenees Rescue group, which seeks to find home for those dogs.