Contacts:
Helen Labun Jordan, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3828
Susan Houston, (802) 586-2873

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

MONTPELIER - A parade of llamas and alpacas will join Montpelier’s fashion elite on Saturday, June 6, 11:30 a.m. at the 5th annual Montpelier Fashion Show on State Street in Montpelier.

In addition to the parade of llamas and alpacas, there will be an educational display at the Montpelier’s Farmer’s Market. Displays of natural fiber arts will also be featured in windows of area merchants. Models sporting llama and alpaca fiber fashions will take to the cat walk at noon.

The addition of four-legged glitterati comes in celebration of the International Year of Natural Fibers 2009. The United Nations issued this international designation in 2006 to recognize the important role natural fibers play in sustainable development. Natural fibers can be used to produce basic goods such as clothing, furnishings and even building materials, in a way that opens economic opportunities for small farmers around the world.

Natural fibers are an important part of the agricultural scene in Vermont, too.

“Many llamas and alpacas grace our Vermont hillsides. They’re easy animals to maintain and we can use their fiber in many unique home furnishings and wearable items. As one VLAA member always says, ‘it feels like a cloud!’” said Susan Houston, chairwoman of the Vermont Llama & Alpaca Association (VLAA), organizer for the special fashion show activities.

VLAA members are contributing to international activities through the Keep the Fleece Project, also known as the World’s Longest Scarf. This project is raising money, through $1 per row knitted, to bring fleece bearing animals to families in need through Heifer International. The Vermont section of the scarf will be on display at the Fashion Show.

"This will be such a fun and fabulous event. Our association is so glad to be a part of it,” said Houston.

Information on llamas and alpacas is available at www.vtllamas.com and www.vtalpacas.com.

For more information on the Montpelier Fashion Show visit the Web site at montpelierfashionshow.com or e-mail info@montpelierfashionshow.com.