Wayland Lions to host Fall Fest Fundraiser at Apple Blossom Alpaca Ranch

WAYLAND - During the final cabinet meeting of the 2017-2018 Lions year, committee chairs tossed around ideas for a fundraiser for the Iowa Lions Foundation to help make up for the fact that there would no longer be an Iowa Lions Foundation Gala. Lions Brian and Marianne Pattyson have served on the 9SE Cabinet as Global Membership Team Chair and Alert Chair, respectively.

The couple owns Apple Blossom Alpaca Ranch in Wayland, where they breed and sell award-winning show alpacas. When asked during the brainstorming session if they would be willing to open up their ranch for some kind of fundraiser, they were more than willing.

From this session was born the Alpaca Fall Fest, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy an autumn day of family fun. Tour the Apple Blossom Alpaca Ranch in Wayland, with award-winning alpacas. Feed the alpacas. Learn the uses of alpaca wool. Relax around the firepit. Take the kids on an authentic hay ride. Lunch will be available on the grounds. Wayland Lions Club, of which the Pattysons are members, has graciously agreed to be the host of the event.

The alpacas at Apple Blossom Alpaca Ranch are show animals; they are super cute and soft. That soft wool also translates into lush alpaca products, which are available for sale in the gift shop at the ranch. In addition to donating all of the proceeds from food and ticket sales to the Iowa Lions Foundation, a percentage of the sales from the gift shop during the Lions Alpaca Fall Fest will go to the Wayland Lions Club to help with their community projects.

Tickets are available online through a link on the District 9SE website. Apple Blossom Alpaca Ranch is located at 1009 Dakota Ave. (Highway 55), just a wee bit north of Highway 78 outside of Wayland.