Going to the fair came late to my life. I didn’t have the opportunity growing up, and my children didn’t participate in 4H because we had them working from the time they could hold a hoe, fork a horse, or milk a cow. We took them to the carnival most summers, and maybe the rodeo dance and barbeque. My first mother-in-law introduced me to the exhibits because she entered a lot of needlework, but Bruce’s 4H background taught me to appreciate how the projects enhance creativity and service.
We attended the Sheridan County Fair last week and spend time among the exhibits. I’m always blown away by the talent that the various projects showcase, even among the youngest entrants.
At the Friday rodeo performance, my grandson was entered in the bareback event. I reminded Spencer that his career began in that arena with mutton busting, when he was about five years old. His dad rode a bronc that night and his mom’s band played for the dance. “I should have won!” was his reply, but he had a good score and has plenty of other wins under his belt. We’re in the middle of Cowboy Christmas when there are rodeos every day somewhere, and he’s making his share of them before heading back to college in Texas.
We’ll be at the Box Butte County Fair to watch our neighbor kids at the beef show and be amazed at the variety of entries. Who knew you could judge chickens and rabbits? Wood working, welding, photography, the list is endless. When I was a kid, the livestock opportunities were for boys only. Girls had the choices of cooking and sewing, and it seemed like my friends who had projects in those categories spent most of the summer complaining that their parents were after them to finish a dress or fill out record books. I kind of felt sorry for them, and was glad my dad didn’t believe in running to town unnecessarily in the summer.
Most of us are impressed with what the kids have accomplished, but we forget to congratulate the ones behind the scenes who make it all happen. Countless hours of volunteering, setting up the booths and arenas, cleaning the fairgrounds, lining up judges, scheduling the shows, parents helping the youth purchase the necessary livestock or supplies for their projects, and club leaders who give their time and encouragement to keep the kids interested and learning.
You don’t have to be a country kid to join 4H. There are plenty of categories to fit any interest, or spark a new one. If you’re a parent, check out what’s offered and see if you can get your youngster enthused about something they may never have considered exploring. It’s all winding down for this summer, but 4H has been around a long time and it’s not going anywhere.
I hope you all attend a county fair this year, visit with your neighbors and eat some of that delicious, unhealthy fair food. And that you remember to thank the folks who work all year long so it runs smoothly. You might even ask if they need a hand with something. It’s a safe bet that the answer is yes.
Meet me here next week and meanwhile, do your best. Somebody might like it.