![GMAF_Logo[1]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c2552_3c2bc5d2ea084eec90ef9839ea30b372~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_158,h_115,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GMAF_Logo%5B1%5D_edited.jpg)
Photo of the Alliant Energy Center Coliseum taken by Beth Skogen at a past Great Midwest Alpaca Festival.
One weekend, two halter shows!
The Great Midwest Alpaca Festival
Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest
Alliance Energy Center, New Holland Pavilion 1
Madison, Wisconsin
April 27 & 28, 2024
More than 300 alpacas will compete in the combined Great Midwest Alpaca Festival (GMAF) and the Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest (WisAFF) April 27 & 28, 2024. With a successful first year, the two halter shows and a walking fleece show return to Madison’s Alliant Energy Center for a fun two-show weekend.
A collaboration between the Great Lakes Alpaca Association and The Great Midwest Alpaca Festival, the weekend offers something for everyone. There will be fiber arts contests, fiber classes, and seminars for those interested in learning more about alpacas. More than 40 vendors will offer yarn, roving, fiber equipment, and alpaca-themed items for sale as well as soaps, baskets and other hand-crafted items. The weekend is free and open to the public. Parking is $8.
2024 Show Schedule
Friday, April 26, 2024 (Breeders & Vendors)
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Noon-6 p.m. – Exhibitor Check-in, Vet Check & Color Check
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Noon-6 p.m. – Vendor setup
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4-8 p.m. – Breeders' social time
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6 p.m. – Judges' Color Verification
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6:15 p.m. – Exhibitor Meeting
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9 p.m. – Doors close for the day
Saturday, April 27, 2024
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7 a.m. – Doors open to breeders and vendors
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8 a.m. – Judging begins
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8 a.m. – Doors open to public
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8:30-10 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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9-11 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Seminar TBA
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11 a.m.-noon – Seminar TBA
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12:30-1:30 p.m. – Seminar TBA
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5 p.m. – Judging concludes for the day and doors
close to the public. -
6 p.m. – Dinner and fashion show for breeders
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9 p.m. – Doors close for the day
Sunday, April 28, 2024
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7 a.m. – Doors open to breeders and vendors
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8 a.m. – Judging Resumes
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8 a.m. – Doors open to public
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8-9:30 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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8:30 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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10-11 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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10-11:30 a.m. – Seminar TBA
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11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Seminar TBA
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3 p.m. – Show concludes
New Holland Pavilion 1
The combined Wisconsin Alpaca and Fiber Fest and Great Midwest Alpaca Festival will be held at the New Holland Pavilion 1 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The 90,000-square-foot facility is heated for year-round use and offers outdoor walkways. The facility will easily house two show rings and more than 50 vendors under one roof.
Judges
WisAFF Halter Judge: Jude Anderson
WisAFF Walking Fleece Judge: Laurel Shouvlin
GMAF Halter Judge: Jacob Hart
Show Superintendents
Halter Show Superintendent: Elizabeth Bernard
Walking Fleece Show Superintendent: Mary Curtis
Hotel Information
The last weekend in April is a busy weekend in Madison so you're advised to make your hotel reservations early.
Clarion Suites at the Alliant Energy Center is one of two host hotels. Use this link to make reservations online and receive the show discount. Call 608-284-1234 or 608-284-9401 to make a reservation.Ask for the Alpaca and Fiber Festival rooms to receive a discounted rate. . The Clarion will offer a cold breakfast beginning at 6 a.m. followed by a hot breakfast buffet at 6:30 a.m.
A block of rooms has also been reserved for the show at the Home2 Suites Madison Central, a second host hotel located across the street from the Alliant Energy Center on Rimrock Road. Reservations may be made by calling the Hilton reservations line at 800-445-8667.
A list of other nearby accommodations can be found here.
Contact the Alliant Energy Center to reserve a campsite or an RV hook-up.
COVID-19: The show will comply with any applicable COVID recommendations at the time of the show.
Show Board of Directors
Margery Morack, Greenbriar Farm, President and Sponsor Coordinator
Marcus Skildum, Mesa Trail Alpacas, Vice President & Show Manager
Jan Clingman, Lodi Alpacas at Whistling Valley Farm, Treasurer
Mark Shillcox, Shillcox Shamrock Lines, Secretary & Seminar Coordinator
Lynne Johnson, Sauk Creek Alpacas, Web Manager & Publicity
GLAA Board of Directors
Kevin Stoer, Londondairy Alpacas, President
Elden Harms, Token Creek Alpacas, Vice President
Chris Rogers, Whisper Meadows Alpacas, Secretary
Jan Clingman, Lodi Alpacas at Whistling Valley Farm, Treasurer
Show Volunteers
Jerry & Wendy Campbell, Justorian Alpacas, Barn Managers
Kathy Nauta, Five Oaks Farm, Registrar
Becky McMillan, Magic Willows Alpacas, Vendor Coordinator
Steven and Sandy Clemons, Double S Alpaca, Volunteer Coordinators
Elden Harms, Token Creek Alpacas, Chair, Ad Hoc Committee
Mindy Huitt, Galpaca Farm, Silent Auction Coordinator
Raul Landeo, Hillsboro Alpaca Ranch, Veterinarian
ABOUT
WisAFF & GLAA
The Great Midwest Alpaca Festival (doing business as the Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest) is a nonprofit association registered in the state of Wisconsin.
I agree to hold harmless the Alliant Energy Center, Dane County, and the Great Midwest Alpaca Festival Board of Directors and committee members as well as the Great Lakes Alpaca Association Board of Directors from any damage or loss, or liability of any kind whatsoever.
Directions
The Alliant Energy Center is located at the gateway to downtown Madison, WI, just off the Beltline (Hwy 12 & 18), on John Nolen Drive. It is just five minutes from Interstate 90/94 via Hwy 12 & 18, minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison’s State Street area, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and 15 minutes from the Dane County Airport.
The Alliant Energy Center is situated near three major metro areas – 250 miles from Minneapolis, MN, 145 miles from Chicago, IL, and 75 miles from Milwaukee, WI.
From Chicago (South)
I-90 to exit 142A, west on Hwy. 12/18, 5 miles to Rimrock Rd. exit 262
From Green Bay (North)
I-90 to exit 142A, west on Hwy. 12/18, 5 miles to Rimrock Rd. exit 262
From Milwaukee (East)
I-94 West, I-90 South to exit 142A, west on Hwy. 12/18 to Rimrock Rd. exit 262
From Minneapolis (West)
I-90 South to exit 142A, west on Hwy. 12/18 to Rimrock Rd. exit 262
From Des Moines (South)
I-80 East to I-380 North, north on Hwy. 151 to Hwy. 12/18E, exit at Rimrock Rd. exit 262
Entrances
There are four entrances to the Center: the Main Gate from Rimrock Road on the Southeast; the Nolen Gate from John Nolen Drive on the East; the Olin Gate from Olin Avenue on the North; and the Rusk Gate from Rusk Avenue on the South.
All show activities will be located in the New Holland Pavilion 1, a new addition to the Alliant Energy Center Campus. To reach the New Holland Pavilion 1, use either the John Nolen or Main Entrance.
