WASHINGTON — More than 400 people flocked to see 30 goats at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Great American Farmers Market.
That’s because Eric and Katie Evans of Pactamere Farm and Goat Yoga RVA brought their popular goat yoga classes to the nation’s Capitol.
The Great American Farmers Market took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 3-8. The event is intended to unite farmers, ranchers and producers in showcasing American agriculture to consumers.
The Virginia couple led yoga sessions for 95 participants alongside their goats, with an additional 100 people practicing outside the gates.
“We see crowds like that a lot,” said Eric, who has held goat yoga at James Madison University and the University of Virginia. One class reached maximum capacity with 160 registrants in just over an hour. “But being able to do it in the nation’s Capitol was super exciting for us. It was an honor to be there.”
Katie added that they were “ridiculously excited to have that kind of turnout (in D.C.).”
Gov. Youngkin’s office had contacted the couple through their website just two weeks before the event. The Evanses had no prior knowledge of the farmers market, but quickly mobilized their operation.
Getting to Washington required navigating federal regulations. Fortunately, the USDA approved special exceptions for D.C. animal permits, and all 30 of the Evans’ goats received rabies shots and health certificates from the couple’s veterinarian, who worked directly with USDA officials.
The couple’s farm journey started when Eric, who raised alpacas with his mother, gave Katie four goats for Mother’s Day. Their first goat yoga session drew 80 participants, launching a business that has served 18,000 people over three years.
After both their mothers died around the same time, the Evanses started Pactamere Cares, a nonprofit providing animal therapy to battered women’s shelters, hospice centers and inner-city children.
“Being with the animals takes away a lot of stress and sadness,” Eric said. “For 45 minutes of yoga, people can think about nothing. It’s a complete relief from the stresses of life.”
The couple plans to attempt breaking the world record for largest goat yoga class Sept. 20 at The Diamond in Richmond. The event will raise money for Pactamere Cares.
Media: Contact Eric Evans at 804-640-4874.
