And talk they did this past weekend when they opened the doors of their Ridgeway farm to the public.

Alpacas are an enjoyable break from the Finbows' busy lifestyle.

Glen owns and operates Economy Paving on the border of Thorold and Niagara Falls and Lynda runs Split Rock Farms Bed and Breakfast in their home which at the end of October, will close so the Finbows can focus on the animals.

Several years ago, the duo began to look for something to do with their 60 acres of land on Ridge Road North. They purchased the lot in 2000 with the goal of running a bed and breakfast but in the back of their minds, they dreamed of one day opening a farm.

Then a concert ticket to Clay Aiken, a former American Idol star, at Erie County Fair changed their lives. They discovered alpacas.

The herd has grown to number about 55.

The alpacas born on the farm are each named after Beatles and their songs. Split Rock's Ringo Starr was crowned the reserve champion huacaya black male at the Ontario show.

"We have been in the alpaca business for five years and the reaction we have received from people who know nothing about alpacas has been quite humorous. They ask us how our alfalfas or old pacas or asparagus or Al Quaedas are doing," said Finbow.

For that reason, the Finbows open their farm to the public for tours in an effort to share their love for their herd with the community.

Along with the growing herd, the open house has grown as well. This year's event saw 1,700 curious people, up from last year's 1,000 visitors.

This year's open house featured fun for the kids, farm tours, wagon rides, demonstrations in yarn making by a talented spinner and of course, alpaca displays.

Alpaca yarn, socks, insoles, sweaters, pillows, shawls, duvets, mattress pads, hats, mitts, scarves and more were available for sale.

Alpaca fleece is non-allergenic, making it ideal for asthma victims or people with allergies, and it isn't itchy like wool.

There are 20,000 registered alpacas in Canada, with 100,000 in the U.S. They are the world's oldest livestock, and the least known. Alpacas hit the shores of North America in 1982. Prior to then, their numbers grew in Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

This year, the Finbows' alpacas won 16 ribbons in the Alpaca Ontario Show in April including Grand Champion Colour and Reserve Champion.

Split Rock Farms Alpacas is located at 1652 Ridge Rd. N.