By Tiffany Goodwein

Hope the Holiday Alpaca bringing Christmas cheer to Hatters

Dec 15, 2020 | 10:41 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– Santa Claus came to Herald School Monday afternoon. But instead of having his reindeer in tow, he brought along something else: A holiday alpaca named Hope

Standing outside, a small group of children walked up to the two-year-old Alpaca. Their faces were full of joy as they ran their fingers through her soft coat.

Santa graciously stood by as the kids took turns taking Hope for a walk.

Two-year-old Hope is from White Barn Fun Farm just outside of Brooks. This is her first year filling in for Santa’s reindeer who were resting to prepare for the big day.

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“Hope is super friendly and stuff and so she really likes people, likes kids. A lot of little kids she comes right up to them, and gives them little kisses on the cheek,” Denis Jackson of White Barn Fun Farm said.

Hope the Alpaca from White Barn Fun Farm outside of Brooks and Santa Claus (Tiffany Goodwein/CHAT NEWS Today)

Santa and Hope will be in Medicine Hat until Dec. 23 and they have a busy schedule ahead of them with plans to visit 12 to 17 homes per day.

As for how Hope is stacking up to the reindeer, Santa told CHAT News Today that Hope is a great companion for their mission to bringing Christmas cheer and an even bigger hit with the kids.

“A lot of people want to see Hope more than they want to see me,” laughed Santa.

Anyone interested in seeing Santa and Hope can contact White Barn Fun Farm on their Facebook page or on their website.