Alpaca open house Sunday afternoon

Providence Sampson is one of the alpacas at White Violet Farm Alpacas.

If you’re looking for an excuse to head out to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods this weekend maybe an event involving some of God’s furry creatures is the answer.

White Violet Farm Alpacas, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, will have an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. this Sunday (at the alpaca barn closest to Owens Hall) to celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days.

It’s a great opportunity to get up-close to the alpacas and talk with those who care for them.

The sisters’ herd of alpacas has grown from three to more than 60 since 1998. Many of them are for sale, and they all provide luxurious fiber to a successful fiber program at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC).

The alpacas are sheared each spring and sisters and friends make hats and scarves from the fiber that is softer than cashmere and as warm as wool.

The items are sold at the WVC and The Gift Shop at Providence Center throughout the year. The ministry also belongs to a fiber co-op that produces socks, gloves and mittens that are sold at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Alpaca items and yarn will be sold at Sunday’s open house.

Make a day of it and go to Sunday Brunch in O’Shaughnessy 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Please use the comment area below to ask any questions you may have about alpacas.