A Loving Llama Showcase

Summer might be closing out, but there is still plenty of fun left to be had, and you can still find some unique events to attend. One of those should be the WNY LlamaFest (I said what I said!). That’s right - LlamaFest! It’s a two-day event with a myriad of activities, shows and demonstrations you don’t want to miss. EllicottvilleNOW had a chance to speak with Scott Dyke of Buffalo Creek Llamas, who is hosting the festival. Let’s get into all the details…

eNOW: WNY LlamaFest sounds very interesting, can you tell us how it all got started and came to be what it is now?

SCOTT: Buffalo Creek Llamas got its start back in 1999 after visiting a llama open barn at a llama farm in Orchard Park. As the family grew, we wanted to do something similar to expose the public to these magnificent animals. So in 2013, we started WNY LlamaFest. In 2017, we added the WNY LlamaFest Youth show for area llama-loving youth to showcase their talents.

eNOW: What can you tell us about the event? Is there a cost of admission? Is it family friendly? What are the dates and times? And what should guests make sure to bring with them?

SCOTT: Admission is FREE. That includes all the demonstrations, youth show, walk-a-llama, obstacle course, meeting the world famous llama “J," baby naming contest, Llama’s Got Talent™, visiting with all the llamas, and selfies with llamas. There are some activities for which there is a fee. We will be offering llama cart rides for $5 per person. The proceeds go toward supporting WNY LlamaFest and WNY Special Olympics. We will have concessions for purchase, and I think we’ll have the return of the llama kissing booth. We also have a feed vending machine for visitors to purchase feed to feed the llamas.

WNY LlamaFest is very much family-friendly. There is no smoking or alcohol allowed on the premises. We have a special kids zone with activities just for the kiddos - puzzles, coloring activities, etc. Children also love feeding and walking llamas, and the llama obstacle course.

Dates and times are: Saturday, September 7th, 10:00am-3:3pm, and Sunday, September 8, 11:00am-4:00pm.

There is more what guests should not bring versus what they should. For safety and health concerns we cannot allow pets on the grounds. Please leave the four-legged friends at home. There are plenty of furry friends to visit with at WNY LlamaFest. Otherwise guests should just bring their curiosity and some spending money for the extra activities and vendor shopping. Great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done!

eNOW: What types of activities can be expected?

SCOTT: Saturday, September 7th we’ll be mostly focused on the youth show where area youth will be participating in showmanship, pack, obstacle, and public relations (PR) classes, and possibly costume class. This is a great opportunity for visitors to see llamas in action performing with their young handlers. Time and personnel permitting, we may include some other activities (cart rides, walk-a-llama, demonstrations, etc) but the main event is the youth show. Sunday, September 8th will be focused on demonstrations, such as spinning (yarn), felting, packing, driving, llama vs. alpaca, etc., as well as walk-a-llama, llama obstacle course, llama cart rides. Vendors, concessions, baby naming contest, feeding the llamas will be available both days.

eNOW: You mentioned you will have a vendor market. Can you tell us who is participating and what they will be offering?

SCOTT: Yes, there will be vendors there. Our Llama Adventures gift shop will be open with a variety of llama related items. Other vendors include: Breezing Hill Alpacas with alpaca fiber clothing. WbDreamer with mainly llamas related gifts and goodies. Blissful Acres Soap with hand made soap products. And there may be a few others, you’ll just have to come out and see.

eNOW: What type of food and beverages will be on offer?

SCOTT: Concessions will be provided by the Tonawanda Timberwolves Boys Varsity Swim Team. They will be offering hot dogs, snacks and beverages like water, for very reasonable prices.

eNOW: Do you have any other events planned for this year? Something in the fall months?

SCOTT: We don’t have any other public events planned for on the farm, but Llama Adventures operates year-round so guests can choose an adventure and visit at a date and time or their liking. Information and booking is available on our website: https://llamaadventures.us.

eNOW: What do you feel draws the community out to this event the most?

SCOTT: The llamas of course! Who wouldn’t want to spend the day hanging out with llamas?! And not just any llamas - these are the winningest llamas in the Northeast and some of the top llamas in the country. We get tons of positive feedback for a number of activities, including walking the llamas, feeding the llamas, trying out the llama obstacle course, and of course the always popular baby naming contest. The educational aspect of WNY LlamaFest is also a significant factor for young and old alike.

eNOW: Anything else you would like to share?

SCOTT: Guests can find more details and a map with detailed directions on our website, https://wnyllamafest.com. We look forward to seeing everyone on September 7th and 8th.

Now doesn’t that just sound like a great event to come out for? Don’t be a drama-llama and get yourself out to Buffalo Creek Llamas, located at 360 Park Road in Arcade, NY for an educational and fun experience. Llamas always have a wooly good time!

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