Alpaca farms at 12 locations across the state will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, for the Maine Alpaca Breeders’ Open Farm Day.

These include Graceland Farm in Auburn, Chase Tavern Farm in Bowdoin and Mountain Brook Farm in South Paris.

Alpacas, which are from South America, produce a fine, warm fiber that is shorn once a year. The fiber is spun into yarn for products such sweaters, hats, blankets and socks. Alpacas are gentle, curious creatures with distinct personalities, according to Dan and Cindy Mingle, owners and operators of Mountain Brook Farm. They have a neat nature and a respect for a fence, which makes maintenance and confinement easy. They are efficient grazers and can be fed for a fraction of the cost of most other livestock, they said.

The Mingles said they view raising alpacas as an exciting business, as well as a family adventure. Their goal is to grow the herd as a retirement investment, while buying and selling animals to diversify the gene pool and advance their breeding goals, which include producing healthy alpacas with exceptional conformation and fiber that is high in luster, crimp and softness.

Directions for getting to Graceland Farm, which is on Johnson Road, are at www.mainealpacafarms.com/Graceland.html. The number is (207) 782-7385 and the e-mail is information@gracelandfarm.com.

Information about Chase Tavern Farm is on www.chasetavernfarm.com/fallfoliage.html. Its schedule for the weekend includes spinning demonstrations on Saturday. Its number is (877) CTF-PACA or (877) 283-7222.

Mountain Brook Farm is at 219 Streaked Mountain Road, which is off Route 117 in South Paris. For more information, people can call 743-9024 or visit www.mtbrookfarm.com

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