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Alpaca-pealingly soft: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta alpacas have been joining festivities for almost 30 years
Jay Peller walks through his booth Alpaca World at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Thursday.
"The Fiesta is better in an alpaca sweater," is the refrain often heard called out at Alpaca World.
Jay Peller, from Denver, has been bringing imports from Peru and Guatemala to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for 29 years, it is the only event he brings his wares to.
He got started in the import business in 1982, and has been doing it on an off ever since.
As he cashes out customers he explains the care instructions for the alpacas — including brushing and feeding — also reminding customers to give their fluffy companions a name.
"This alpaca doesn't have a name," he says to one customer as she scans her credit card, "You have to give them a name. The care and feeding is written here … and don't launder."
Peller says the most popular items are the alpacas of various sizes, the decorated children's sweaters and the key chains, hats and scarves from the $10 table.
Alpaca World
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