White County Fair 2020

Fair week without a doubt, is always one of our favorite weeks. I'm a self-proclaimed Fair geek, but heading into this fair there was a "fair" amount of controversy....and just plain uncertainty about how it would all work out. Again, since I'm posting all of these posts in hindsight, I must say -- it all worked out. Was it normal fair -- not even close. Did we miss our favorite fair foods, strolling the grounds and visiting with friends and family and watching our kids run around with all their fair friends? Absolutely. But, it worked out. 

Before we dive into Fair week - let's tackle pre-fair and Em's building activites. She sewed with Jacqui again this year and made a shirt and a darling pair of pants that I wasn't sure she'd like/look cute in - but the outfit turned out darling. She was able to choose just one piece - the shirt or the pants, so she chose to model her pants and find a shirt to match. She sewed with BFF Addi, and they both did so great modeling and finishing their projects. Heather also helped the girls to do Cake Decorating - and Em did a great job on her cake. She wound up getting Champion in Construction with her pants, which were sent on to State Fair, and a blue on her cake. We'll call that a win! 

Since we did the last minute July 1 add of swine to our show week -- we got to enjoy two back to back days at the fairgrounds showing. We were up and att'em early Tuesday. We arrived on the grounds and parked in our designated spot where we would set up camp. Literally....camp. We set up tents, chairs, our camping rug - we had a table for food & coolers. We setup with Wieses and helped each other out all day long. It was a great day. At one point, Krystle and I were snapping peas like NBD on Showday. We've never been that relaxed and laid back on showday! Wrigs spent the day with Mamps & Paps who were watchng on Walton Webcasting since they couldn't attend in person. Wrigs was still in the cone of shame, so we figured it best to leave her in loving care. 

As if Swine day wasn't long and exhausting, we rushed home, swapped our gear and hit the beds early to answer the 3am alarm clocks that awaited for cattle show day. We had 6 calves to wash and blow out before heading to the fairgrounds. While we wouldn't vote to do 3am show day calls every year, it was just part of the excitement of 2020. 

We took swine show day tv outside the trailer and one upped it for an indoor theatre with snack table and beer cooler at the back of the trailer! 

Fun to welcome Sawyer to his first year showing with us! Can't believe these kids are old enough for 4-H! It felt so far away for so long!

Colton helped buddy Weston Morgan show his Angus cow-calf pair! 

Emmalyn kicked off the day with showmanship with her Herf Steer Tank!

Colton's turn at showmanship. He took Rose into the ring and showed her flawlessly. It was so fun to watch his summer of hardwork unfold in that arena. 

The judge noticed too -- and had such amazingly kind things to say. He talked about how easily Colton stepped the animal into position, his confidence and poise. 

It was awesome to see him chosen as Champion Showman for the Junior Division. Because of this win, he got to stick around and compete in the Senior Division as well. 

I worked my way over to him in the holding area since he'd be in the 2nd heat of Senior Showmanship. I tell him congrats and start to make over him, and he said, " are they fitting my steer right now".....less elated that he'd just won showmanship, and more irritated that it wasn't HIM fitting his own steer. This kid is hardwork and preserverance to the core and we are so proud of him for that! 

While he didn't win Senior Showmanship, the judge again was so complimentary of his skills and said without a doubt, one day Colton's name would be called as winner if he kept up the good win. Such kind words that made a Mom & Dad beam with pride. However, he was able to quickly get back to his job at the trailer -- fitting Homer! 

Em & Harlow!

Colton & Homer! 

It was another banner day at the White County Fair -- County Born & Bred champion Herf Heifer, Champion Showman and more! 

We brought calves home late afternoon/early evening and while the kids broke the animals down and washed out all the show glues, the adults recapped "fair week" and the fun we'd had. It was a lot of work, and a couple of long days. And it wasn't a normal fair.....but we made memories no less, and ultimately, I'd say that's what Fair is all about!