A Legacy of Love at Aggie Days: the Bednarik Family’s Llamas & Alpacas

This April, the Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and thousands of attendees will once again step into the world of Alberta agriculture, gaining a firsthand look at life on the farm. Following three days of hosting more than 9,000 students in grades three to six, Aggie Days opens to the public for the weekend, April 12-13, offering free admission for all ages.

Beyond the educational exhibits and demonstrations at the event, there’s one attraction that charms Aggie Days visitors year after year—the affectionate llamas and alpacas raised by the Bednarik family.

For more than 30 years, the Bednarik family has been a cornerstone at Aggie Days. Their animals are famous for delighting visitors with their gentle nature. Many will remember Manny, the beloved llama who attended Aggie Days for more than 15 years before passing a few years ago. The Bednariks’ unwavering commitment to volunteering at Aggie Days stems from a simple yet powerful motivation: the pure joy these animals bring to people of all ages.

John Bednarik began raising llamas and alpacas almost 40 years ago after being encouraged to find a more active lifestyle during retirement. All these years later, John still finds great fulfillment in caring for his animals on his family ranch, just south of Okotoks, AB. Now more than 90 years young, John continues to be drawn to the animals' intuitive nature and the happiness they inspire in those who interact with them.

“I’ll never forget this couple who came to see us at Stampede last July,” John recalls. “The woman was very excited when she spotted Lisa and I, and came over to show us a photo of one of her favourite memories, from when she was six years old, posing with one of our llamas. Turns out that she and her partner were currently on their honeymoon, and she wanted to come to Stampede just to recreate that photo!”

From the very beginning, the entire Bednarik family embraced John’s passion. His daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law now manage the ranch’s daily operations, but John remains deeply involved, particularly in sharing their llamas and alpacas with the public at events like Aggie Days. It’s a Bednarik family tradition that now spans three generations, with John’s grandchildren coming to Aggie Days before they could even walk, and continuing to volunteer now as young adults.

While they know their animals leave a deep impression on guests, education remains at the core of the Bednarik family's mission at Aggie Days. Llamas and alpacas, members of the camelid family, have been working animals for centuries, their wool prized for its versatility. Through their involvement at Aggie Days in April, as well as at the Stampede in July, the Bednariks teach guests about the significance of these animals in various cultures and industries, ensuring that visitors leave not only with smiles but with newfound knowledge.

Be sure to visit the Bednarik family at Aggie Days, happening April 12 to 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Nutrien Western Event Centre and Agriculture Building on Stampede Park.

Article courtesy of Alyssa Wadey, Calgary Stampede Agriculture & Western Events Media Committee Volunteer.