Showing Goats for 4-H at the 2016 Albion Fair

Last week was fair week and Ben’s got to have his first experience showing his 4-H project goats at the Albion Fair. It was a long week, but he did so well and we’re all very proud of him. He walked away with several ribbons and two trophies for Junior Fitting and Champion Fitter Dairy Goats.

A huge THANK YOU to my mom who helped with Ben’s curtains banners for his goats’ stall. 

Doesn’t he look so handsome all dressed up in his dairy-whites? Of course, they don’t stay white for very long… sigh.

Fair week was quite an experience for a first-time 4-H family. As a little girl, my favorite part of the fair was always seeing the animals–I had no idea how much work goes in to getting them there, and practically living at the fair grounds all week while they’re being shown! I have a whole new appreciation, especially for families that go to multiple fairs every year!

I was lucky to be able to take an entire week off work so that I could be at the fairgrounds from morning till close every night. I had so much fun, but it was also exhausting. I was impressed by how well the boys got through it, despite being there from about 9am till close to 10pm every night.

Myles got some hands-on milking lessons from a pro! Ben’s 4-H leader, Jan, is amazing with kids. During the week, field trip groups came through the barns in the morning, and she gave every child the opportunity to try milking one of her goats.

 

On the last day of the fair, there was a parade. This year’s theme was We’ve Got Good Things Growing. Thanks to Shannon (one of the moms in our 4-H group), our goats were outfitted in amazing flower child outfits…

 

Unfortunately, the weather turned and mid-way through the parade, we got absolutely drenched in a downpour. Goats hate rain, so we had some very unhappy, very tired critters by the time we got back to the barn.

Candy passed out with her head propped on her daughter’s back.

When Ben got his premium check for his winnings (he had no idea that was part of it–ha ha), he immediately started planning how he could use the money with is birthday money to expand his herd for next year! Kid after my own heart right there. This year was a learning experience, and while I’m looking forward to next year, I’m also glad we have a whole year to recover before we do it all again!