Lamafest at MSU Pavilion September 2nd through 4th

East Lansing will host the second-largest llama show in the country at the MSU Pavilion on Friday, September 2nd. The community is encouraged to bring the family along for an   alpaca and llama-filled Labor Day weekend with activities for all age groups.

Lamafest will be a showcase of over 200 llamas and alpacas who will be judged for conformation and performance, with cart pulling, pack and obstacle courses, public relations, costume, and showmanship competitions. The show is sanctioned by the Alpaca and Llama Show Association (ALSA).

The event will have both free parking and free admission. This show has many activities to offer both young and old, including vendors and farm displays, a scavenger hunt, a costume contest, and a silent auction.

The Scavenger Hunt will go from Friday night, September 2nd through Sunday, September 4th at 12:00 pm. Those wishing to participate may scavenge alone or form a team of up to four youth, and first place will receive a prize. Participants may pick up their instruction packet from Bev Souva whose farm display is Sandy Acres Llama Farm. For more information about the scavenger hunt, contact Souva at 989-856-3461 or at llama@avci.net.

The Costume Contest is open to youth and adults, and all participants will be in the ring for a one-time class. This class will take place between the Medium Wool and Heavy Wool classes on Saturday the 3rd. Those interested are encouraged to parade through the stalling area at the end of the class.

The Silent Auction will be hosted by Corky Dubois and her group, Michigan Llama Association. The proceeds from this auction will go to the MLA’s scholarship fund.

The judges this year will be Patti Morgan for the ALSA show, Nick Hauptly for the International Lama Registry (ILR show), Rick Neal for performance, and Kevin Sullivan for alpacas.

On Friday the 2nd at 8am, move in and set up will begin. The show will begin the following day, Saturday the 3rd, from 8am to 5pm. Saturday’s events will include the ALSA halter, ILR performance and Open Alpaca Show. On Sunday the 4th, events include an ILR halter show and an ALSA Performance between 8am and 4pm.

The non-member fee for ALSA classes is $50 and may be applied toward an ALSA membership, and the youth non-member fee is $15.

For more show information, contact Don Topliff at info@lamafest.com or call 517-655-5988. If you are interested in signing up for a vendor booth or pens for the silent animal sale, contact Nel Vickers at nelwoodone@gmail.com or visit the Lamafest website at www.lamafest.com.

The MSU Pavilion is located at 4301 Farm Lane.

Editor's Note: This article was updated to change incorrect event dates.

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