About SWEEPSTAKES

There's never been an alpaca show like this! The SWEEPSTAKES offers presentation of traditional ribbons as well as cash awards for the top placements in each division and provides a more level playing field based on the 3-judge system.

Why the SWEEPSTAKES Show?

This is an "outside-the-box" event with the goal to provide a new, fun, exciting format and atmosphere in which to showcase your alpacas.

Why 3 judges for each class?

The 3-judge system is used by many livestock industries because it minimizes individual judge bias and thereby levels the playing field for all competitors. Each judge's vote will count equally and be counted in a point system to determine the final class placements.

Is this an AOBA certified show?

No. AOBA does not certify shows with multiple judges, a format which provides competition at different levels of accomplishment, or cash awards of this nature.

What are the Show Rules?

See the Show Guidelines page for all the show rules. The Sweepstakes is dedicated to offering a show with minimal, easy rules covering: ARI registry; color check on request (except for the dark and light greys); vet check to assure healthy animals on site; and friendly, fair, unbiased evaluations from 6 world-wide alpaca authorities.

Can I wash, block, groom, etc. my alpacas for this show?

Alpacas are expected to be shown in natural condition. Artificial enhancement or manipulation of the alpaca or its fiber will not be rewarded. The Judges will evaluate individual fiber samples in the ring for positive and negative traits or any manipulation.

Can anyone show alpacas at this show?

Yes, the show is open to all owners without restriction on Association membership.

What Alpacas can be shown at this show?

The Sweepstakes show is open to any and all alpacas of any age, sex, or status, including animals which have never shown, past Champions, or 1st place class winners, breeding males or those fantastic female producers with crias at side now.

What will be the emphasis in judging - conformation or fiber?

The judges will be looking for a balance of the positive conformation and fleece traits.

• Huacaya fleece will be evaluated on evidence of positive characteristics - fineness, density, uniform crimp style, brightness, and lack of medullation.
• Suris will be evaluated by the Suri Network Breed Standard for phenotype and fleece traits - luster, handle, uniform lock structure, fineness, density, and lack of medullation.

The SWEEPSTAKES offers 3 levels of individual competition based on each alpaca's prior show performance:

• Qualifier Division for entries who have never shown or, if shown, have never won a 1st Place or Blue Ribbon.
• Blue Ribbon Division for entries who have previously won a 1st Place in any alpaca halter or fleece show but have not won a Championship or Reserve Championship.
• Champion Challenge Division for entries who have previously won a Champion or Reserve Champion award. Winners here are truly Champions of Champions!

What are the Special Classes?

Sweepstakes will hold special classes for awards to the Grande Sire and Grande Dam, based on Points accumulated by offspring. State Herd Competition will be a group of 6 animals shown in the regular show, from one designated State and presented as a group for final evaluation.

If I register an alpaca for the Qualifier Division and then win a Blue Ribbon in another show before Sweepstakes, then what?

You can show us that ribbon when you come to the show and upgrade to the Blue Ribbon Division at check-in. Alternatively, you can email the show result to Jan Miller and upgrade to the next Division Level.

What if I win a Blue Ribbon or Championship in the Qualifier Division, can I then show in the next higher division?

Yes, with payment of the additional entry fee you can move up and compete again for more awards.

Why cash prizes?

Why not! Given the price of going to shows these days it sure will be nice to go home with some cash in your pocket.

Will we win ribbons too?

You bet - there will be special SWEEPSTAKES ribbons and awards.

How big are the cash prizes and what levels will win cash awards?

Cash awards will be generated by entry fees, sponsorships and general show revenues so the exact dollar value has yet to be determined. At a minimum the goal is for First Place to double their entry money and Second Place to break even. The more we take in the more can be paid out.

How can Sweepstakes help me to market my breeding program?

• The Sweepstakes will post all show results on the sweepstakes website and welcome links from contestants' websites to the show results.
• The Sweepstakes also anticipates incorporating a listing of this year's top performers in marketing for upcoming events.
• All alpacas entered into the Grande Dam/Grande Sire contest will enter the Sweepstakes Hall of Fame, and if entered in the contest in future years, will be eligible to accumulate points from year to year. As sweepstakes gains momentum over the next 2-3 years, having your alpacas in the Hall of Fame will be an excellent marketing tool. So get your sires and dams on this list as soon as possible. This will be a very effective way for you to promote your top bloodlines through their ability to produce top offspring.

Who are the Charter Members?

See the Charter Members page.

Is this a Local or Regional Show?

The Sweepstakes Show and Auction is a National event with representative breeders from coast to coast.

Thank you for your support and participation!