The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market wrapped up its season last week by hosting some very special, very fluffy guests. Carlson’s Llovable Llamas paid their third annual visit to the market, drawing in llama lovers young and old.
The market ran from June 5 to Oct. 2 this year. Their focus is to bring the community together. And the last day is no different, albeit amplified by the presence of these furry friends.
“They’re definitely unique animals. So, it’s kind of fun having something different at the park,” Event and Park Supervisor Rachel Kurtz said. Like the kids and their families, she too had a smile on her face while looking at the gathering crowd.
Rick Carlson, the owner of Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas, was excited to return to the market. “It’s huge, it’s fun. They want us back,” Carlson said. Throughout the night, little kids incessantly ran up to him, begging him for another small brown llama treat from his bucket as he answered questions from curious parents.
Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas was a project initially started by Carlson and his wife. “Back when our kids were little, we were looking for animals that were good with little kids,” Carlson said.
The llamas were in fact mellow throughout the event. Standing calm, stoic, and easy-going through the hair pulling and seemingly never ending selfie line.
According to Carlson, their company visits an average 250 to 300 different events each year. His goal: to spread knowledge on llama care across the rural-urban divide and getting his llamas out for the public to see, minimizing misconceptions such as that llamas typically never spit.
Both Kurtz and Carlson hope for the llamas’ eventual return, should there be more space for them in the market. Additionally they hope to see an even larger group drawn to their quiet beauty, intensified by their rising local fame. The llamas’ appearance at the market is a tradition they plan to continue for the years to come.
