Andover Institute Host Tour of Skyeview Alpacas Farm

Saturday, April 22, starting at 10 AM

March 25, 2017 • Saved under Andover Organizations
Press Release

 

From left, Skyeview Alpacas farm owner Sue King with a crested Polish chicken, and farm staffers Jessica Bishop with a giant angora rabbit, Nate Thompson with an Alpaca, and Kristi Harper with a Silkie chicken — all grown in Elkins, home of Skyeview Alpacas.

The Andover Institute, an arm of the Andover Community Association, will offer a guided tour of Skyeview Alpacas, the oldest alpaca farm in New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 22, beginning at 10 AM, located at 102 Wilmot Center Road, in Elkins. The tour is free and open to the public. Participants may drive to the farm on their own or join in carpooling from the Andover Town Hall parking lot at 9:30 AM

Led by Skyeview owner and proprietor, Sue King, the tour is the latest in a continuing series of Institute “space” explorations, designed to introduce local residents to venues off the beaten path for many.

Sue King writes, “In 1992 we started the first alpaca farm in the state with the purchase of two beautiful breeding females. Over the past decade, the herd has expanded in diversity and quality. The fields are now populated with a colorful spectrum of award winning alpacas producing outstanding crias (babies). Our goal has been to run a profitable livestock business that also provides an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved, from owners and helpers, to customers and visitors.”

“Our shop has been fully stocked with new and exciting products. Think warm winter socks, mittens, sweaters, and unique yarn. We are most excited about a new batch of mill spun yarn made entirely from our own alpacas and angora rabbits. We also have a plethora of top quality raw alpaca fleeces for those ambitious hand spinners and felters, as well as hand plucked angora rabbit fiber.” Learn more at skyeviewalpacasnh.com.

Formed as a working group of the Andover Community Association in early 2015, the Andover Institute was so named to recall a common title for many private educational institutions in 19th century America – the short-lived Highland Lake Institute in East Andover, for one example.

The Institute’s “space” explorations series, now in its third year, has included visits to the Proctor Academy campus, a now-shuttered summer camp for girls, the City of Franklin, a local heron rookery, a guided telescopic viewing of the moon, and an introduction to geocaching, to name a few. Suggestions for future programs and events are welcome, and may be sent to the Andover Community Association at andovercommunity03216@nullgmail.com.