The Natural Fiber Extravaganza is a national event promoting all things alpaca, and this year, for the first time ever, it's in Middle Tennessee.
"This is been in the works for over a year now. It's an annual event but this is the first time that it's going to be in the Nashville area ever," said Karl Heinrich, owner of New Era Fiber & Long Hollow Suri Alpacas.
Heinrich's herd is always growing.
"We have about 125 alpacas. It changes just about every day," said Heinrich. "We moved to Tennessee in '85 but we've been in the Gallatin area for about 20 years."
Heinrich says each alpaca has it's own distinct personality.
"They're just like people. There's some that are happy and affectionate and want to be snuggled and others that don't want anything to do with you," he said.
Heinrich says introducing the public to alpaca products at the Natural Fiber Extravaganza is a great opportunity and hopes more people help support local farmers.
"Nationwide there seems to be a movement to have the textile industry move back to United States and we feel like we're leading some of that charge," he said.
The Natural Fiber Extravaganza starts on Friday, July 13 at the Wilson County Exposition Center in Lebanon. There will be dozens of vendors, alpaca yoga, even an alpaca selfie booth.
