Through the Lens: Maryland Alpaca Show and Sale

This week's photo gallery features photos from the Maryland Alpaca Show and Sale, which was held at the Ag Center in Westminster. The event featured alpaca judging and the sale of a wide variety of alpaca-related items. 

According to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984 and their lifespan is about 20 years. Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing injury.

Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, it comes in more colors than any other fiber-producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends). Alpacas don't have incisors, horns, hooves or claws.