Brooke County Alpaca Farm Offering Free Food, Tours
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WELLSBURG -- Trinity Farms Alpacas is celebrating National Alpaca Weekend with free food, games and, of course, alpacas.
The event is slated from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the farm located at 1627 Washington Pike, Wellsburg.
Christine Rudland, who owns the farm with her husband, John Rudland, said the farm celebrates the weekend annually. It gives families a chance to have fun without having to spend a lot of money.
"It's a huge weekend for us. We tend to get a lot of people and new people," she said. "This is our gift to the community. It's somewhere to have fun and meet animals."
Children can enjoy visiting the farm's animals, including their alpaca mascot, Carl, along with goats, chickens, and more. Superman and Wonder Woman are slated to make appearances between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Children can also make crafts and watch a spinning demonstration by the Rudlands' oldest daughter, Paula Doerschner. Their youngest daughter, Aeolian, 12, also helps on the farm.
Rudland said people believe that alpacas are not friendly animals, but she has had a much different experience.
"Most people think they spit, but in the 11 years of having them I've only been spit on one time," she said.
She noted Carl is gentle and often goes to schools and nursing homes to visit people.
"He is an exceptional animal and is the herd's patriarch. He takes care of the herd and likes to watch the birds," she said, adding they have five male alpacas and six females.
He also allows the Rudlands to dress him in costumes for holidays and special occasions.
"He will be dressed as Superman (Saturday)" she said.
Rudland, who works as a nightshift RN supervisor, said she has a degree in alternative medicine. She educates people on how to use herbal remedies and their shop sells several different types of herbs along with teas and spices.
"Most of our medicines come from herbs and spices anyway," she said.
The shop also sells clothing made from alpaca wool.
Rudland said she is also a Reiki master and a specialist in bach flower remedies.