2002 will be the eighth year that llamas 'n' Ttulips has been a sanctioned event of the Skagit Valley Tuilip Festival. During that time, more than 14,000 visitors have come to New Horizons Llamas in the beautiful Skagit Valley near Mount Vernon to enjoy llamas and alpacas. This is clearly the largest purely public relations/educational llama event in the United States. We've had visitors from all over the world.

Last year, 2001, we all remember the worldwide threat of foot and mouth disease. With the loss of so many animals in Great Britain and other countries, we elected to place the llamas "off limits". Signs and volunteers explained why we were being so careful and the public seemed to understand--though they were clearly disappointed! This year, with 40 acres of tulips right next door, we expected larger than average crowds.

This event exists only because of the efforts of llama and alpaca owners---VOLUNTEERS! They have all worked together so that the public can learn what makes our animals so wonderful.

Visitors can buy grain, and we teach them how to hold their hand out for the llamas. You have to love the giggles of adults and kids alike when the llamas nibble those pellets! You'll find volunteers walking llamas amongst the people and often just standing, answering questions while the people stroke a llama's soft wool. Parents and grandparents have wonderful pictures!!

The packing area shears a llama daily, and takes much of that fiber through the process. You can usually find fiber in different stages of being carded, felted, spun, knitted and woven. Visitors are invited to sit down at a spinning wheel, and to actually be involved.

Nearby, in the packing area, volunteers give generously of their expertise in packing with our sure-footed friends. We're finding a growing interest in using llamas to help carry some of the burden in the wilderness.

4-H clubs have always been a big part of the event. They will be featured during the second weekend of the Tulip Festival, but are welcome any time. They take their llamas through the obstacle course, and share their knowledge with the public.

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