The public, especially families, are invited to the Springfield Riverside Alpacafest Nov. 12-13 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. All weekend you can watch the competitive show as over 150 alpacas from Illinois and surrounding states are judged. See and pet an alpaca and visit with the folks raising them. Browse the vendors selling alpaca products and other items. Featured is designer Helen Hamann, a Peru native and internationally known knitwear designer with designs in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and more. A free fashion show takes place Saturday around 6:30 p.m. upstairs in the mezzanine. Dinner is available by Poe’s Catering at 6 p.m. Dinner tickets should be purchased in advance at the number above for $12. A few will be available at the door. This event is hosted by three local farms: Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, Autumn Sky Alpacas and North of The Rock Alpacas.