Coben Scott
The 20th annual Black Forest Alpaca Extravaganza was held Nov. 22–23 at the Black Forest Community Club, continuing its tradition as a quiet staple for both the Black Forest community and Colorado’s growing camelid scene. The event space was filled with local ranchers and vendors, many selling goods — especially wool — sourced directly from their own herds.
Outside the building, visitors were greeted by a display featuring four alpacas and a llama. Among the families showcasing their animals was the VanTilborg family, familiar faces at the event. Betzy VanTilborg said their woolly pets have become a common sight in the community, especially through the family’s involvement with the local 4-H group. The VanTilborgs regularly show their alpacas at local events, including the El Paso County Fair.
Betzy shared one of the animals’ more comedic habits: “chipmunking,” when alpacas store hay or saliva in their cheeks for later or when they’re feeling grumpy and preparing to spit. Most of the time, she said, they only spit air at the family.
Organizers say the event is expected to return around the same time next year. For anyone interested in camelid products or meeting local ranchers, the Alpaca Extravaganza remains an event one doesn’t want to miss.
Many local ranchers and vendors set up tables to display and sell their goods, sourced from their own alpaca herds.
It was a nice, sunny day for the alpacas and the humans: The alpacas, from left to right — Gracie, Mama Llama and Flori; The humans Betzy VanTilborg, Randy VanTilborg and Scarlett VanTilborg.
