The Empire Alpaca Association is very proud to sponsor this show. We know our many volunteers will put together an awesome event. We have assembled four impressive judges for the show. The Halter rings will be judged by, Amanda VandenBosch, Tim Lavan & Helen Humphreys. The Performance classes will be guided by Suzanne Cox. The Extravaganza will be running four rings again in 2010. Halter classes will run in three rings and the fourth ring will be dedicated to youth and performance classes. We believe that the dedication to and increase in youth and performance will increase the excitement of the show, involvement of our children and be fun for all. So gather up your children or 4-h’ers and bring them for some fun. If you are interested in signing up children for youth classes, entries are made in the name of the child on the specified entry form.

Other events planned during the weekend include: educational seminars with exciting topics, which will interest first timers, as well as, seasoned veterans; Friday Night Meet and Greet Reception; Saturday Night Barbecue and a Herdsire Showcase, so farms may spotlight the men in their barns. This year we are excited to be again running a silent Auction, in which all of the proceeds will benefit a selected alpaca related non-profit.

On behalf of the Show Committee, I would like to invite you to come to this event to showcase your breeding program and to hob knob with your fellow alpaca owners. This year our on-line registration will go live August 29 for all Breeders and August 15th for our top 4 sponsor levels, so be ready and we will see you in Syracuse.

See the "Highlights" below for additional information and check back to this site in August when we posted additional detailed information.

Sincerely,

Scott Young
Show Coordinator

Judges and preliminary assignments: Tim Lavan (all female Huacayas black through white, all Huacaya production and Huacaya Female judge's choice); Amanda VandenBosch (black, fawn, light and white huacaya males, all Huacaya production and Huacaya male judge's choice), Helen Humphreys (all other huacaya males & females, all huacaya production, both Huacaya Judge choice classes. All suri classes); Suzanne Cox (performance). Judging will be done on a 60/40 basis.

Online registration opens: August 15 for Diamond, Ruby, Platinum & Gold sponsors (email me at Cuykendallfarms@aol.com in advance for a link); August 29th for general registration.

Pricing: Stall actually get cheaper in 2010 which will be 195 per stall for this year and entry prices remain the same which is 38 dollars. The building will be $195 for stalls 1-5 and $245 for stalls 6-10. Empire members receive a $25 discount on the first stall. Credit cards are accepted.

Sponsorships: Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold and Silver can register early before anyone else as well as more awesome benefits. See also information below under the Saturday Night Cocktail Party in case you are interested in sponsoring that event. For more information on sponsorships, click on the sponsor information at the right or above.

Vendors: Expanding the number of clothing vendors and creating a "vendor village" where all of the vendors will be located. Vendors will sign up online this year.

Selling at stalls: Exhibitors are permitted to sell items from their farm display stalls

Fiber Corner: Place where we will have fiber arts demonstrations throughout the weekend for members and the public.

Expanded marketing efforts: To attract more public to the show, your stalls, the Product Booth and the vendors, we are expanding our marketing efforts to attract more public.

Annual Meeting: The Annual Meeting for Empire Alpaca Association will take place Saturday at approximately 6:00 PM, after the rings close for the night.

Saturday Night Cocktail Party: We will do the cocktail party again this year after the annual meeting in the show rings with heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. If your farm is interested in hosting the cocktail party ($2,500 sponsorship), you will receive all of the benefits of a Platinum sponsor PLUS several additional benefits including promotional signs and materials at the cocktail party and a free Platinum sponsorship ($500 value) at the 2010 Educational Symposium & Fleece Event.

Seminars: Education seminars will be available free to the public and exhibitors.

Silent Auction: Breedings to top herd sires and various alpaca products and supplies will be auctioned off. Please contact me at Spruceridgefarm@aol.com if you wish to make a donation.

Show Superintendent: Melissa Young-Crozet is returning as the show superintendent.