Stan and Janetta Bauer have invited the Autism Society of McLean County members and families to visit their farm. They have been raising alpacas for over eight years.
Alpacas are gentle, clean, shy animals that make wonderful pets. They are herd animals, which means they like to be with other alpacas—to eat, walk and play together. A baby alpaca is called a cria. Youngsters enjoy rolling in the dirt and in snow.
Alpacas are prized for their luxurious fiber, so they get a haircut (are “sheared”) once a year before summer. The Bauers develop wearable items created from the fiber produced by their alpacas on their farm. An alpaca sweater or blanket is a cherished possession, frequently handed down from one generation to the next.
The Bauers will share their story of getting their alpacas and show how they take the fiber from shearing the animal to finished product, including spinning, knitting, weaving and felting. Janetta Bauer also works as a speech therapist with autistic children at the Baby Fold.
- Who: ASMC members and families are invited. All ages are welcome.
- Where: der Bauernhof Farm (German for “the farmer’s house). Located just east of Bloomington on Route 9 – at the corner of Route 9 and the Bentown/Holder Road, five miles east of the Bloomington airport. Look for a large farm bungalow and barn on your right as you go east on Route 9. Another landmark to notice – the farm is located in front of the first windmill east of Bloomington.
- When: Sunday, April 14, 2013, 1:00p – 3:00p
- RSVP: by April 10 to [email protected]
Check out the attached flyer for more information.