The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Llama and Alpaca Parade took place Thursday in the NRG Arena. Attendees of all ages received candy, beads and smiles from the decorated llamas and alpacas.
Ashley Plaeger, who has managed the event for six years, said the event is a fun introduction to the llama and alpaca show. “We travel the whole grounds, decorate about 35 to 40 golf carts and invite all the llamas to walk in the parade with us.”
This year’s parade theme was “Llamas and Alpacas Travel the World.”
“Each golf cart was a different country, all of which hosts llamas and/or alpacas,” Plaeger said. This trip around the world is the official kickoff for the llama and alpaca show.
For first-time visitors like Haley Cosper, the parade was an unforgettable experience. Decked out in festive beaded necklaces and carrying a bag full of candy, Haley beamed throughout the event. “I really like their [llamas’] teeth because they look so funny,” Haley said.
Carol Rutledge, of JCZ Farms, is a longtime parade participant. With a herd of more than 20 llamas, Rutledge is passionate about educating the public and promoting the llama and alpaca show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “The llama committee is just outstanding,” Rutledge said. “They keep us coming back.”
The llamas and alpacas will be in NRG Arena for the rest of the week. Events include an open and youth show, costume contest, Lloan-A-Llama and Llama & Alpaca Llympics. Stop by to see and learn about the fluffy creatures.