West Lampeter Fair...Day 3...

Today at the fair was different from any other day we've ever spent there.

This was the first time that anyone in our family was involved in showing an animal...and it put a
whole new perspective on fair life.  Now, when we walk through those dairy, pig, sheep and goat barns, we know how much work was put into raising and training those animals...all for one show in late September!

The day began by heading to the fair right after breakfast.  Jenna took the day off school, because we didn't know how long it would take to prepare for the show.  She fed and watered April and Dot, and then gave them a bath.  It was a little chilly, so she towelled them off thoroughly before we took them back to their pens filled with fresh shavings...

There were several 4-H'ers and FFA-ers from Church that were showing animals this week, and quite a few supporters showed up to watch and encourage them.  We are so thankful for the support that all these kids are given...they know they are loved!

Grandma and Grandpa were there looking on...

 

The goats were divided into classes according to weights.  Dot weighed in at 80 pounds, and was shown in the second class of the afternoon...

After the individual goats were judged, the showmanship judging was held.  The kids are judged on their poise and confidence, always keeping their eyes on the judge, keeping the animal between themselves and the judge at all times, the ability to answer individual questions asked by the judge, and more.  Jenna could chose which of her goats to show for this, and she chose April.  Here, the judge is asking her about the parts of the goat and the feed she used...

Here the judge is explaining the reasons that she placed them where she did, and giving constructive criticisms.  She was a very encouraging judge...told them not only where they could improve, but what they did right...

And the color of the day was...RED...both April and Dot placed second in their weight classes, and Jenna placed second in showmanship for first year participants in her age group!  We are proud of her! 

Raising these goats was a learning experience from day one... a lot of hard work and fun all wrapped up in one. (I'll ask Jenna to write about it someday as a guest blogger.)

My computer is giving me headaches tonight...it won't let me type underneath the last picture, so I'll wrap it up right here...I should have one more post tomorrow night..

The night was topped of by a delightful young lady that we know well, getting the thrill of the evening...GRAND CHAMPION DAIRY BEEF!  Congratulations Katie!!