Santa and Hope the Alpaca came to Herald School Monday to surprise some students ( Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Hope the Holiday Alpaca bringing Christmas cheer to Hatters

Dec 14, 2020 | 5:43 PM

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.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“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, 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.