Among the almost 100 exhibitors at this year’s Alpaca Spectacular are Baringhup Alpacas’ Judi Bromage and David Bootten.
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They have had alpacas for 10 years, having bought their first when they retired to Baringhup from Melbourne.
“We went to buy two wethers (castrated males) and ended up with three pregnant females,” Mr Bootten said.
They have won second place and reserve champion in certain classes of previous shows, and use their alpacas’ fleece to weave scarves they sell online and at the Maldon markets.
It is the alpaca’s gentle temperament that has won the couple over.
“You have an affinity with them,” Mr Bootten said, with Ms Bromage adding that as they trained their alpacas to wear a halter, they got to know all their animals.
They say the standard of competition at the Alpaca Spectacular is high.
“It’s very competitive,” Ms Bromage said.
“It gets harder every year, the standard’s very good,” Mr Bootten added.
But it was not only the competition they enjoyed – Ms Bromage said it was nice to be a part of the event and meet other people.
The event continues until Sunday.
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