Packed with Alpacas

We don’t believe that certain animals really exist. Ligers are one example. Alpacas are another — tiny, little llamas with stoner haircuts. The idea that hundreds of alpacas are gathering in one place so close to us is as thrilling and terrifying as a fever dream. In this case, we refer to the Midwest Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association’s sixth-annual Invitational Alpaca Show this weekend at the American Royal Hale Arena (1701 American Royal Court). Some 600 alpacas will be there to compete for breeding awards. Bipeds, meanwhile, can browse a fleece show, take classes in fiber arts and skein competition, and celebrate the “International Year of Natural Fibers” while combing a variety of vendor booths, today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. See mopaca.org for more information.— Peter Rugg

Sat., March 28; Sun., March 29, 2009