By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
Herd It Here Farm will hold its grand opening on April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Located at 541 Sullivans Ferry Road in Cottageville, farm Owners Bill and Sheryl Power said they plan to provide a fun filled family day for all visitors. Herd It Here Farm is a one-of-a kind destination. The Powers provide what they call an agritourism experience, which means they allow visitors to come to the farm and feed and pet all of the animals. They also have educational talks about the animals and answer questions.
The farm houses alpacas, fainting goats and silkie chickens that the Powers consider family and hope that everyone will come out to meet.
At the grand opening and during the year, educational presentations will be given about goat-yoga and the alpacas. The alpacas have recently been shorn, so demonstrations on felting and spinning luxurious Alpaca fiber will be offered. Visitors will get a chance to meet all of the alpaca “girls:” Vickie, who recently lost her alpaca baby after three weeks of motherhood and needs special attention; Gidget, who is the farm’s friendly two-year-old ambassador who loves to drink water from the hose; Zoey, who thinks she’s the boss of the herd; and Lucy who is shy.
The Powers say that people often confuse alpacas with llamas, but llamas are much larger, about twice the size of an alpaca, whose weight only averages 100 to 200 pounds.
According to the Alpaca Owners Association, Llamas are primarily used for packing or for guarding herds of sheep or alpacas, whereas alpacas are primarily raised for their soft and luxurious fleece. Alpacas have been raised as domestic livestock for thousands of years and since the end-product of alpacas is their fleece, like sheep, they are classified as livestock.
The grand opening will also enable visitors to meet the other farm critters: Tank the farm dog, Tilly the horse, and Eddie the miniature donkey, Elvis the rooster and Rooster Coggins, just to name a few.
The Power family has worked hard to plan an exciting day for children and adults. Activities for the kids will include face painting, balloon twisting, games, and lots of open space to run, play, and visit with the animals. An Alpaca Selfie booth will be available for a picture to remember your visit. Food truck vendors will be on hand as well: MacDaddy, Cast Iron, and Mora Ice Cream (Vegan options available).
The gift shop will hold interesting items as well as Alpaca gloves, scarves and other clothing available for purchase.
Admission (to help feed and care for the animals): $10 for Adults, and $5 for children ages 3-12. Admission is free for children under the age of 3 and for active or retired military, first responders, front-line medical workers and educators.
“When we moved to South Carolina, we knew our ‘forever home’ wouldn’t just be for us. After months of planning, we are finally ready to open Herd It Here Farm, with an eye toward sharing our love for unique and interesting farm animals,” said Bill Powers, owner. “Having a farm has so many rewards that we just want to share with our visitors.”
