4-H Fair, with the emphasis on the "4-H"

To start off this post, I will explain the title and try to keep my "rant" short!  Our fair is all about the 4-H...it isn't about commercialism, making profits, the carnival or even really pleasing the typical fair-goer.  It is about the 4-H program and more importantly the 4-Hers.  Our fair is small, it is definitely a country fair and you aren't going to be impressed like you would be in the surrounding, bigger county fairs.  And...that's the way we like it.  It is intentionally kept small and about the 4-H program.  I wouldn't have my kids in any other fair around because of this fact.  I'm proud of it and always have been.  It may not be for you and you may not even appreciate visiting it thinking that it is too small and "hick-ish" but it isn't about you anyway...it's about the 4-Hers participating within it.  There is no admission fee to get in (other than parking if you park on the fair grounds...and that money goes to the 4-H clubs that man the parking stand...not the overall fair).  Of course the carnival isn't huge...our fair does not make huge profits because of admission fees, hence they cannot afford to bring in huge carnivals and top name entertainment.  So, if you don't like the small town fair...don't come.  It is affordable for the family, the food is great, the 4-H program is strong and it's about the kids participating.  As I observed my kids this year making new friends, exploring the projects and helping one another...I reflected on my own time growing up at this fair.  Wouldn't trade those memories for the world and again was reminded of how proud I am of our small town fair and 4-H program, where it honestly is about the kids, not all of the other "stuff". 

Okay...rant is done.  Now for a few pictures.  The day of the sheep show, we had a horrid storm blow through...in face it hit hard and fast as Brock and I were washing a lamb.  Brock is very fearful of storms and I was so worried that this would set him off and the rest of the day would be shot. But he handled it so incredibly well and I couldn't have been prouder of him!

 Here's Brock ready to show his lambs!

Kiara enjoyed watching Brock show at the gates to the arena.  This is also the gate that he would exit with the lamb after his class, so she would wait for him and then help open the gate.

Here he is showing "Hampy" our favorite lamb.

At the end of a very hot show day.  91 was what the temps said and it definitely felt it.  He was exhausted, but still smiling as he came out of the ring the last time.

Kiara liked to put herself in the sheep stand...silly girl.  Here she is with cousin, Cailey and Grandma watching behind her.

Love this picture of her...she is such a farmgirl and LOVED being at the fair!

Battle of the Townships.  On Thursday evening, they had a fun and games time where the clubs competed against each other.  Our township...well, we didn't fair so well in the contest, but they had a lot of fun.  Here's Brock eating from the "goodie bag".

Grant racing the frisbee back in his part of the relay.

Kiara made some new friends this year.  There was a family of girls with goats right by us for the week and Kiara fell in love with those girls AND the goats.  Here she is walking a goat with her new friend Lilly.

End of the fair clean up is never fun, but necessary.  Sad to see the fair end, yet happy to get back to a routine and not be dirty all day long!

LOVE this picture of my and the kiddos!  Definitely going to be in a frame on my desk.  Couldn't be prouder of all three of them after a great fair week together!

So long for another year, 4-H fair!