Heart, Heat & Hard Goodbyes:
Annual Fair Concluded With Livestock Sale
As the sun set on another county fair, dozens of young exhibitors walked their animals through the sale ring one last time. The annual livestock sale, a long-standing tradition, marked the end of months of early mornings, evening feedings, barn chores and countless hours of preparation.
For youth involved in 4-H and FFA, the sale is more than a transaction. It’s the culmination of hard work, responsibility, and personal growth. Animals raised with care are paraded before buyers, ribbons are handed off, and soon after, trailers are loaded as tears quietly follow.
In her first year, young Elinor Collinge shared that her favorite thing about the annual fair was showing her lamb. In turn, the hardest part was loading her lamb on the trailer.
This year’s event was filled with memorable moments, from first-time exhibitors to seasoned seniors completing their final walk through the ring. After they walked through the sale ring, a variety of 4-Hers shared their favorite and least favorite moments. Showing animals and spending time with friends topped the list as favorites.
Some cited highlights such as “winning Grand Champion,” “showing her lamb,” “selling my animal,” and participating in “pee wee showmanship” or “barnyard olympics.” Others enjoyed “getting to hang out with friends,” “seeing and being silly,” and the 4-H meeting tradition at the local Mexican restaurant. As he completed his final fair, Harmony Sunflower Cody Johnson noted that all the pieces of the annual fair were his favorites. As he struggled to come up with a least favorite thing about the fair, he stated, “When it is over.” Longtime 4-Her but first time Greenwood County showman, Wyatt Hoag noted that his favorite thing about the Greenwood County Fair was that “It’s all under one roof.”
Although the 4-Hers are competing amongst each other, the camaraderie is strong. As youth went through the ring for the final time that Monday night, fellow exhibitors would greet them to share a hug or simply support them as they said goodbye to their animals.
But, fair week also brought its share of challenges. Torrential rain and near triple-digit tempera tures tried to decrease the smiles. But, the friends, various shows, projects and games kept them coming throughout the weekend. Smiles were even seen when youth were completing the dreaded tasks, like washing hogs (mentioned more than once). The end of this year’s fair also marked a personal farewell for Ag Agent Ben Sims, who will be stepping into a new position next month. “My favorite thing is the kids, always,” Sims said. “Putting my heart and soul into this program and having to leave is obviously the least favorite part of this fair for me.”
With ribbons exchanged and memories made, the fair concluded with life lessons being learned by youth and adults.
Now, the countdown to next year quietly begins.
Pictured inset at left:
Kathryn Curry, MPS, is embracing her grandfather, Gregg Curry who purchased her hog during the annual sale.
Miley Baumgartel, RW, enjoying a few moments before she entered the sale ring with her market lamb.
Elinore Collinge, FM, showed her market lamb at the annual livestock sale on Monday, July 28.
