FLORENCE — When they moved into the community in 1999, it was with the idea of raising miniature goats.
But when that didn’t work out, they discovered alpacas.
“They’re so beautiful and the fleece is very, very soft,” said Liz Beckman, who owns Phantom Canyon Alpacas with her husband, Ron.
The couple brought two of their alpacas along with a variety of merchandise to display during the Florence Farmers Market on Thursday at Pioneer Park.
Several years ago, the couple purchased a pair of female alpacas from a farm in Coaldale. Since then, the Beckmans have purchased one or two others with several that were born on the farm, sired by a nationally famous alpaca named “Avatar,” Beckman said.
“Every year, we shear them and use the fleece to make yarn,” she said. “We make rugs and quilt batting. From the yarn, we can make hats, blankets, scarves and sweaters.”
Their wares are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Alpaca Yarn & Gift Shop at 403 CR 142 in Florence.
According to the organizers, the first season of the market is going well.
“Most of us who have been active in organizing it have been very pleasantly pleased,” said John Myracle, who co-manages the market along with Joann Mohr. “It’s taken off pretty well. The number of vendors have increased. People are, by and large, pretty happy with it.”
The market offers a variety of items, including vegetables, crafts, arts and a special event on a weekly basis.
“There’s something for everyone,” Myracle said. “Next week, we’re going to have the Raptor Center. People from all ages from little kids (up) are fascinated by the raptors.”
Upcoming attractions include dulcimer music by Bob Sears next week, and jewelry making by Ann Sears of Ann’s Art Annex July 31. Wolf pups will also be a special attraction in the future.
The Florence Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through the middle of September.
Charlotte Burrous can be reached at cburrous@ccdailyrecord.com
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