MADISON — More than 300 alpacas will converge on the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. These delightfully curious camelids will compete against some of the finest alpacas in the Midwest.

Two separate halter shows — the Great Midwest Alpaca Festival and the Wisconsin Alpaca and Fiber Fest — will run simultaneously in two show rings in New Holland Pavilion 1. This allows exhibitors to have their breeding programs appraised by two different judges. The alpacas are evaluated by how well the animal moves, how balanced it is on its feet, and overall conformation. In the walking fleece show, the judge grades the animal’s prime fleece.

This fun-filled family weekend will offer fiber arts classes demonstrating the many uses of alpaca fiber, and seminars on nutrition and health will cover animal husbandry. Fiber fanatics will find more than 40 unique vendors offering everything from raw fleece and roving to yarn, socks, sweaters, teddy bears, jewelry, soaps, wooden bowls, baskets and pottery.

A highlight of the event this year is a selfie booth where visitors can have a photo taken with an alpaca. Signs throughout the venue will direct visitors to the selfie booth. The cost is only $5 for two people.

This show is free and open to the public. Parking is $10. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information and a full schedule of events, go to https://www.wisconsinalpacafiberfest.com/.

Help support alpaca research by bidding on items in the silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Alpaca Research Foundation https://alpacaresearch.org/, which is dedicated to funding medical and scientific research by improving the health and vitality of North American alpacas.

Everything you ever wanted to know about alpacas can be found at https://www.wisconsinalpacafiberfest.com/about-alpacas.