Sunday, May 4, 2014
Great Western Alpaca Show 2014
Returning to Denver every year for GWAS (Great Western Alpaca Show) has got to be one of our favorite annual events to participate in with our alpacas. The Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies folks are warm and welcoming to us each year. For those of you who have never been, the arena is held in the historic National Western Complex & Stockyard which is legendary to livestock owners. Of course, we were lucky again this year with dry weather (at least to us folks in Seattle, it’s dry). This show boasts as the largest alpaca show in the nation and every year, it has maintained its’ Level 5 standing.
This year, Jeff and Floyd (Aleutian Eagle Alpacas) repeated their road warrior efforts in separate vehicles (bringing more animals than years past) but convoyed together with a few other farms, Fiber Meadows and Krystal Acres.
I flew into Denver like a rock star – arriving when all the dirty work was done. I did manage to handle a few animals in the show ring to help Jeff out. However, on this fine weekend, Jeff was on a roll – placing high in the ribbons over and over again. Suffice to say, I didn’t want to ruin his lucky streak! Judges Peter Kennedy & Jude Anderson seemed to like all of our animals this year. And yet of course, I flew out before the dirty work at the close of the show.
RESULTS: This was our best show ever, winning two banners, 3 first place, 2 second place and 1 fourth place ribbon!
Not nearly having enough time to visit with everyone, we sure do appreciate all that the ABR group does to put on this enjoyable and prestigious show each year! Seeing all our friends is still a very important element to the showing experience. Next year, I’m planning on taking more time to come in early to partake in the festivities!
We have one more show left this season, so we’ll be seeing you all at the CABA Classic in Portland, Oregon.