Pictured is Olaf the alpaca, who will be at Christmas in a Barn on Saturday. Submitted photo

BEMUS POINT – Dan and Shauna Anderson, owners of Alpacaville farm in Bemus Point, are opening their farm to the community to create a space of respite from the stress and bustle of the holiday season.

On Saturday at 10 am, they are hosting Christmas in a Barn, an event including a brief church service followed by the opportunity to interact with the alpaca. Hot cocoa and snacks will be provided as well as the opportunity to visit the Aplacaville store to buy any last-minute Christmas gifts.

“There’s so much stress in the world these days, and the busyness and pressures of the holiday season is no exception,” said the Rev. Jessica Frederick, minister for children, youth and families at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. “I am a former farmer who believes in the healing power of connecting with the natural world, so Christmas in a Barn is an event that combines my passions.”

The Andersons view their farm as an opportunity to connect people with the healing nature of alpacas.

“Many people have commented over the years that while visiting the farm and the animals they feel a spiritual sense of peace and calm,” said Shauna Anderson, who has received a certification in animal therapy. “We also often hear that they find themselves relaxing in a way that is hard to describe. People return and bring their friends and other family members so they can enjoy the experience as well.”

The Christmas in a Barn event is free and open to the public. Alpacaville is located at 4463 Mahanna Road in Bemus Point. For questions and more information, contact Shauna Anderson at Alpacaville at 716-664-0663, or Frederick at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 716-483-6405.