When Carol Reigh bought her first llamas 29 years ago, she immediately connected with fellow owners to learn proper care practices and share the joy of raising them.
That passion led her to the Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association. Several years later, she attended her first GALA conference, and she now serves as the group’s president.
This weekend, the organization brought its annual conference to the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Several owners brought their animals along, much to the delight of passersby, who were invited to a public session Saturday afternoon to learn about camelids—or simply snap a selfie.
Paul and Cindy Millard shown at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton on October 24, 2026. The couple owns a small farm in Virginia and travelled to the area to learn more about llamas and to meet like-minded attendees. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Items to be sold and shared at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center on October 24, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
An alpaca to be shown at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center on October 24, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
A llama shown with a handler at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference, held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center on October 24, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
An llama to be shown at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center on October 24, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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Paul and Cindy Millard shown at the 37th Annual Greater Appalachian Llama Association (GALA) Conference held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton on October 24, 2026. The couple owns a small farm in Virginia and travelled to the area to learn more about llamas and to meet like-minded attendees. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Llamas and alpacas have grown steadily in popularity since the 1970s. As members of the camelid family, they require specialized care, and the conference offers hands-on training in everything from toenail trimming and shearing to proper nutrition.
Many passersby who stopped to observe the animals noted how friendly llamas are toward humans and how much they seem to enjoy each other’s company, often touching noses in greeting.
The event also offered a dedicated “Veterinarian Day” Friday, which included expert training on such topics as camelid medical care, herd nutrition and advanced surgeries.
Loving llamas
Paul and Cindy Millard traveled from their 5-acre farm in Virginia to assist with the convention and to network with other llama owners.
Their journey began in 2010 when Paul retired from the military, and the couple decided to purchase their first llama. Today, they own six, sometimes adopting older llamas who require a bit more attention.
“Sharing knowledge and the camaraderie of other llama owners is why I joined GALA, and I have enjoyed attending conferences,” Cindy Millard said.
As a member of the organization’s board of directors, Millard found her happy place in the fiber area of the conference, demonstrating a spinning wheel and highlighting the specialized yarns and textures unique to llama wool. She noted that her grandmother was a weaver, a traditional craft she is proud to carry forward for future generations.
The trip marked the couple’s first visit to Scranton. In addition to attending the conference, they explored the Steamtown National Historic Site to tour a special exhibit celebrating the park’s 40th anniversary.
Conference organizers scheduled a silent auction for Saturday night to raise funds for camelid medical research and government relations advocacy.