County Fair Week

Sometimes I think it might be nice to have a week between the County Fair and the first day of school just to give us some time to recuperate. Those of us involved in the fair in any way need some down time when the fair ends. Even though we enjoy the fair, it really is a lot of work. Here's a glimpse of the things we've been doing this past week or two to get ready...

the parade..



walking, washing, shearing..


practice showing..



We had a full week with good times, but it didn't come without disappointments. The sheep got sick early on this summer and the illness, mixed with not enough care and attention, didn't allow them all to gain enough weight to show/sell at the fair. Two out of the three were too little to make the required weight. Riley was the only one able to show and sell his sheep. However all the boys were able to participate in the showmanship contest, so they still gained showing experience. Rusty also tried the fitting contest for the first time this year, thanks to a little coaching and encouragement of his good friend Cody. All of them are planning on participating next year. Macy will even be old enough to show next year. This was a great year for learning the lesson of not depending on everybody else to take care of the sheep. It takes everybody's time and attention to raise a good little herd so everybody can benefit in the end. They entered the two light lambs into the carcass contest, so we'll see how they do there. Thanks to little life lessons, we can become better!!