“Cinderella” did not make it to the ball… Crawford County Alpaca Show Opens 160 Annual Fair

By Kathy Laird, Crawford County Now Contributor

It was an interesting start and a great finish at the Annual Crawford County Alpaca Show held Sunday, the opening day of the 160^th Crawford County Fair.

Siblings Rachel, Grace and John Bell put their Alpacas through an obstacle course in the arena area. According to Renee Bell, her children start working with the alpacas at the beginning of April. They were provided by Myron and Rhonda Campbell of Bucyrus.

Alpacas on average weigh between 120-200lbs.  They can reach heights of around six feet.  Some of these animals are quite a lot to manage as they can be stronger and larger than their handlers.The handlers are responsible for the care and feed of the alpaca as well as training for the fair.

The obstacle course classes are divided up by the age of the alpaca. Judges are looking for showmanship, trust between the animal and the handler, control of the animal and stance.  The oldest alpaca was twelve,  while the youngest is a one-year-old.

Each obstacle course during competition may not reflect the practice area, so handling the alpaca is paramount to gaining a ribbon.

Cinderella the two-year-old Huacaya refused to cooperate with her handler, fifteen-year-old, Grace Bell.  After much coaxing, Bell decided it just wasn’t Cinderella’s day and they left the competition.  However, Bell’s siblings did quite well.

Her brother John and his alpaca, “Flannigan”, placed first in Class Two.  J. Bell was in direct competition with his sister and eighteen-year-old, Rachel placed 4^th in Class Three.

Other top winners were: Class One; Gabby Johnson and “Mary”, Class Three; Maria Smith and “Reece”, Class Four; Rachel Cox and “Emma” and Class Five; Andy Brause and “ Gracie”.

A tie caused a showdown between Maria Smith and Andy Brause.  An additional obstacle was placed in the arena and the final honor of Grand Champion of the Obstacle Course went to Maria Smith and Reserve Champion to Andy Brause.  Presentation of skill winners was First Place: Natalie Johnson, Second Place: Maria Smith and Third Place: Emma Tyrell.

Presentation of skill winners were First Place: Natalie Johnson, Second Place: Maria Smith and Third Place: Emma Tyrell.