Local Country Fair

I never was in 4H myself, but this year I helped one of my best friend’s children (tweens) with photography. “B” received a purple, two blues and one red. “M” received two purples and two blues and was Reserve Grand Champion in her division. “B” was only one away from getting Reserve in his bracket...so I felt like we have a relatively good first time experience together.

Photography is a hobby of mine, or should I say obsession. At my children’s events I am very rarely seen without a camera in hand. My husband curses the day that he surprised me with my Canon Rebel J. I’m pretty sure we’ve paid for the camera at least three times over in the developing fees! Anyway, of course I had to go to the fair and see our prize winning photographers who were also participating in many other events.

“M” was Reserve Champ in showmanship with her lamb, she won her division with her heifer in the Beef Show, and she sewed three  different garments and won her divisions on those as  well. “B” received a blue on his rocket, was Grand Champion for a cookie jar he built, received a blue on his buy-manship project and is competing in the swine show as we speak. I know there are a couple of more projects they entered in the fair—but in 100+ degree temps---I love those kids, but I was “faired out” and came home.

Going and attending all these different projects was a great deal of fun for me, especially the beef show. Show livestock grooming does not fall under my categories, so I really didn’t know a lot about how our show products were used and why. I learned yesterday morning! Of course, once again with camera in hand, I went behind the scenes to learn more. BOY—was I THRILLED when I saw so many livestock fans, blowers, blocking chutes, show halters, show boxes and grooming products in use. My husband thought I was nuts cause I would grab his arm and pull and squeal---“we sell that ...we sell that too” He finally left me to tour the barn by  myself. Good thing it’s a local fair and I knew most of the people in the barn. If not, I can see where they would think I was a little “off”!  The most exciting barn venture for me was when I saw SO MANY cans of a newly released line this year in use. Weaver Livestock Brands has teamed up with Kirk Stierwalt to release a full line of livestock grooming products---we carry that full line. I am happy to report that the one young man that was using everything from the Kirk Stierwalt line received Jr Grand Champion in Showmanship.

So if your county fair hasn’t started yet—or you’re off to your State fair…..be sure to check out this new line! Julie