A Fair Week in Pictures

County fair week, in our part of the world, is officially over. 

The laundry is stacked in the wash room and the dirty boots sit out on the back stoop. 

The trailers are barely unloaded and the campers are being aired out. 

The trophies and ribbons handed out are home and have now become conversation pieces.

The animals are......well, let's not talk about that. It's still early. 

I serve a role in our county 4-H that requires me to be at the fair each evening. This allowed me to spend the week capturing shots of 4-Hers doing what they do best - displaying outstanding animal husbandry skills while learning the importance of hard work, dedication and responsibility. 

Enjoy...

Being a cowboy sure does make you thirsty

Remember my story about Marvin and his undying passion for youth in agriculture? Well this is his great niece and great nephew, competing against each other for 

2011 Supreme Showman.

And below...

 Livestock marketing legend Kevin Wendt evaluates gilts for Grand Champion

 Corbin and his New Beginning, Zoe Monica, sure did well showing in Mini 4-H this year; expect this young stockman back in the ring for years to come....

...Especially if he can capture the attention of the girls like he did here!

 Can you guess which animal was being shown for the first time?

Dick Kinsinger, a life-long supporter of Wayne County 4-H, and judge Tom Younts reminisce about a 1960's county fair, where Dick awarded Tom the Grand Champion Steer title. 

The Wayne County Sheep King, Tony Terhaar

 Three generations of cattle enthusiasts

No pep talks from parents, or seasoned 4-Hers, can prepare one for selling their first 4-H project

Queen Joan doing what she does best

A face I haven't seen in years, this gal french braided my hair the very first time I stepped in a show ring. Now, she watches her own children show.

This 10-year 4-Her was dramatically injured not too long after this photo was taken. Sarah wasn't able to go on to show that night, or sell her steer Friday. The beauty of this situation is that the true spirit of 4-H prevailed. Competitors put their own interests aside and ensured Sarah's animal was fit and ready to walk in the ring when her class was called, even though she wasn't the showman on the end of the halter. 



From her hospital bed she sent an email that was read on the auction block Friday. Sarah thanked the community for the years of support and acknowledged 4-H as a true source of joy through her adolescent years.  


Even if Sarah wasn't there to say good-bye to her favorite steer she's ever shown, or her community support system, because of modern day technology this  incredibly hard working young gal was able hear the bids flying for Bambi the steer, 
her very last 4-H project...

Sure makes you proud to be a part of something so inspiring, doesn't it?