IF YOU'RE IN EPSOM any time soon, be sure to swing by the Valemont Alpaca Farm and say hello to Lancelot, Quinn, Eric, Arthur and John.

They're the new alpacas at Elaine and Yuri Koptev's farm, which opened two weeks ago. The Range Road operation sells a variety of alpaca products, including fiber blankets, roving, yarn and apparel, including socks, hats and gloves. Tours and children's groups are welcome to visit the animals, too.

Elaine Koptev said yesterday she'd dreamed of opening an alpaca farm for years, and the bad economy finally pushed her to follow through. Her husband also helped get the idea off the ground, she said.

"I know it sounds crazy to say the economy, but it was partially that," Koptev said. "Not having the ability to control your own fate . . . the idea of taking my fate in my own hands felt a little safer."

Koptev said she hopes the farm will eventually expand to 30 alpacas. The goal is to sell goods that are produced and manufactured locally, she said.

Address: 68 Range Road, Epsom

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

More information: Call 736-8006 or go to valemontalpacafarm.com.

AMY AUGUSTINE