Anna Cook, 12, sat on a fence surrounding a pen at the Schuylkill County Fair.

She had her eyes fixed on two alpacas - specifically, one named Cambria.

“She’s an escape artist,” Cook, of Minersville, admitted.

The wide-eyed brown alpaca had a knack for finding her way through tiny openings she would discover at the Walker Township farm where she was born.

“We would find her in another pasture,” Cook laughed.

Cook became familiar with her - and other alpacas - through her membership in the Blue Mountain 4-H Livestock Club. Many members of the southern Schuylkill County Club exhibited livestock at the fair.

As for alpacas, Cook said they’re generally shy.

“And they can also be stubborn,” she said as she tried to get one to sit.

The alpacas would be part of the judging at the fair, where officials look at their coloring, grooming and behavior. The ones under Cook’s care boasted neatly shorn coats and fluffy fur on their heads.

Cook noted that alpacas are raised for their fur, or fiber, which can be made into socks, blankets or sweaters.

Nearby pens contained cows, goats, sheep and pigs.

Paige Campbell of Lykens won a series of ribbons for the pig she brought to the fair.

It was born earlier this year, and was almost as big as the youngster.

“Pigs are really strong,” she explained. “You really have to train them.”

She’s new to raising pigs, having only started this year. Already, though, she has two others at home.

Asked if she finds them intelligent, Campbell hesitated.

“It really depends on the animal itself,” she said.

The fair features entertainment, educational exhibits, food, crafts, displays and more.

It continues daily until Saturday.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. today. The schedule includes the Brandon Bennett Elvis Tribute with The Spin Outs at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

There will be line dancing with DJ Chicken Nugget at 7:30 p.m. Visitors might also want to check out the threshing demonstration at 6 p.m. or toss a hay bale at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.schuylkillfair.com or www.facebook.com/SCHUYLKILLFAIR/.