Fletchers Ark Farmyard is offering festive photos with their famous alpaca. Photo: Supplied.
As we pack down the Halloween decorations and dust off our Mariah Carey CD, Santa photos with a difference are on the wish list for families.
Shopping centres are still doing their thing but there’s an appetite to mix things up and save some dollar bucks. Well, buckle up, your prayers have been answered by the world’s most infamous alpaca.
Hephner, the suit-wearing alpaca that sneezed on King Charles during the recent Royal visit, is dressing up and offering families the opportunity to get their 2024 Christmas photos with him.
Don’t worry; Hephner and Santa are tight, so Santa will be in the picture, too, with a festive backdrop. He’s also well-versed in meeting locals and making friends – that’s why he’s a much-loved regular visitor at Claire Holland House.
“We’ve already had enquiries from Perth,” says Robert, Hephner’s handler at Fletchers Ark Farmyard.
“He wears a Santa hat and a necktie with buttons and white fluffy stuff around the bottom”.
Hilarious!
Yes, the old dude can join the picture, too. Photo: Supplied.
The footage of Hephner sneezing when the King reached out to pat him at the Australian War Memorial went viral.
News outlets around the world covered the story, hence why those at Fletchers Ark Farmyard are nervously anticipating these festive photos with their topical alpaca will be a hot ticket.
You won’t believe this – punters have even asked if they could pay extra to have the Alpaca sneeze on them and their kids. Yes, hoping for the full Royal experience, Robert has cautioned, “he never sneezes. Ever. I don’t even know why he did that”.
Anything for Instagram, I guess.
This family-run business is cautioning families to get in quick if they’re hoping to score one of the limited spots.
Bookings will open this week on their Facebook page.
If, however, horses are more your thing, the other organisation offering Santa photos with a difference is the Belconnen Pony Club. On 30 November at the Belconnen Pony Club grounds, Canberrans are invited to get their Santa photos with a pony and enjoy the markets. All details are on their Facebook page.
What about a five minute beach photo session with Santa and the kids? This one is also for those who want to bring their furry friend. www.kekeandco.com.au is doing casual and coastal sessions at McKenzie’s Beach in Malua Bay and Tomakin Beach in Tomakin, with some sessions in Narooma next month. Short, sweet, vibey and beach is their vibe. Did someone say weekend away? Just me?
Sidenote: Ho ho how is it November already? Cue that combined feeling of excitement and terror as you gear up to celebrate the festive season with the family and equally, feel desperately underprepared.
If you’ve clicked on this, I’m guessing you’re a parent. (Acknowledging nod.) How lucky we are to be the gatekeepers to such magical memories. Also, is anyone else desperate for a nap?
For context, my gorgeous two are aged four and two – the prime age where they’re just getting their head around Santa and Christmas. I love the annual Santa pic; it reminds me of this phase. You know, when they still want to hang out with me.
I wonder whether this year, after all the excitement and preparation, choosing outfits, and talking about meeting Santa, my kids will still freak out and cry at the sight of him. The joys, am I right?
Kristen Davidson is the long-running Breakfast Host on MIX 106.3 and a marriage and funeral celebrant. Follow her adventures at Kristen Davidson.
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