Since 2006, the Bacon family has been raising, breeding and selling alpacas through their farm in Salmon Arm.
The family-owned and operated Tocino Alpacas will be one of the vendors at The Shoparama Srping Market March 28 and 29 at the Vernon Recreation Centre.
“We raise, breed and sell alpacas of superior quality, and are very active in the alpaca industry via local Alpaca Associations and managing an alpaca show through the BC Llama and Alpaca Association,” said Craig Bacon. “Every April we shear our entire herd of alpacas and take pride in the fact that we utilize absolutely all the fibre we produce.”
Tocino Alpacas deals with various Canadian fibre mills in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec. Bacon said these mills assist by processing the raw fibre into roving and skeins, and also make the company’s warm, comfortable alpaca socks and insoles.
“We also enjoy dyeing the skeins into various colours,” he said. “Many of our high-end alpaca products are hand-knitted here in Salmon Arm.
“These include toques, head-bands, scarves, gloves, leg-warmers and slippers. A very big thank you to our local knitters: Glynnis, Gail, Trudy, Angela, Olga and Lori for their commitment and dedication.
“In addition to these products, we personally make much sought-after alpaca dryer balls, and also sell raw fibre, roving, skeins and thrum mitt and slipper kits (with patterns) for those wishing to make their own items.”
On April 14, Tocino will be shearing the alpacas and anyone interested in watching or helping out is most welcome.
For more information on shearing day, or to learn more about alpacas, please contact Craig or Heidi Bacon at Tocino Alpacas, 250-804-2611 or see the Web site at www.tocinoalpacas.com
Tocino Alpacas is looking forward to being one of the many vendors at The Shoparama Spring Market which includes artisans, entrepreneurs and home-based businesses. The event takes place March 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Vernon Recreation Centre auditorium and gymnasium. Admission is free but you are invited to bring a donation for the food bank. For more information, contact Ingrid Baron at 250-542-5983 or Shoparama@shaw.ca or check them out on Facebook.
