Doug Targett sold his vintage Corvette so he wouldn't have to worry about something falling on it. But he added some things new to his collection: four llamas.
Targett, who now raises 19 llamas on his 10-acre farm in Xenia, Ohio, with his wife, joined more than 100 llama and alpaca owners this weekend during the 14th annual Lamafest at Michigan State University.
The three-day event, featuring 183 llamas and 23 alpacas, gives owners the opportunity to showcase their animals' athleticism and overall build.
The event is certified by the Alpaca and Llama Show Association.
"That's the fun part of the show," said Lamafest founder Don Topliff. "It allows (owners) to show what their animals are accomplishing."
The show also includes a llama sale for those interested in purchasing an animal and nearly 100 vendors selling llama-themed merchandise such as T-shirts and art.
Doug Targett stepped into the llama industry three years ago after his wife urged him to find something constructive to do.
"I was retired and my wife said I had to do something to keep me busy," said Targett, while standing with a 6-foot llama, Princess April Moon.
"She enjoys it as much as I do."
Princess April Moon won a fifth-place ribbon earlier in the day during the medium-wool competition.
The other llama divisions include miniatures, as well as light, heavy, and suri wool, which has the twisting appearance of dreadlocks.
The alpaca contests were divided among three color categories: dark solid, light solid and gray mixed.
Doug Targett has competed at competitions in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, winning 25 contests.
He said he enjoys the variety of new personalities he comes across while frequenting shows.
"One good thing about the llama industry, we'll meet a lot of good people," he said.
Besides being excellent show animals and pets, Targett said they're great for protecting livestock from small predators like coyotes.
Meanwhile, rookie alpaca owners Phil and Lois Shaneour toured dozens of holding pens next to the arena, mingling with other enthusiasts and picking up tips along the way.
The Shaneours added four female alpacas to their Howell farm in July.
"(Alpaca's aren't) as intimidating as the llamas - they're big," Phil Shaneour said.
Lois Shaneour added it would be fun to raise the unique pets.
Yearly llama upkeep typically costs between $300 to $500, Topliff said.
"They're just real gentle animals," said Topliff, who raises 20 llamas on his 50-acre Williamston farm. "They're great with kids."