By Zane Davis
Trailers are headed home, tack boxes are a mess and empty halters are crammed hastily into the top of boxes while exhibitors brush away tears for the animals they’ve cared for, some of which since the animal’s birth. Others may have purchased their market animals, but the bonds built during this summer experience are strong, yet painful when it draws to a close.
The kids are headed home to an empty pen, many with a heavy heart, but they have a handful of ribbons, albeit some are not the color they had hoped for, the anticipation of a check to buy school clothes, they’re next project animal, and to add to their college funds, and a multitude of memories that will last a lifetime.
As the judge stated in the ring this week, “In five years no one will remember who won Grand Champion, but everyone will remember the fun times and memories they made this year.” There will be talk of the steer dragging someone, the pig that jumped out of his pen, the young showmen that pumped their fists in the air because they won or did it correctly, all while still being judged, or the kid that just stood with his docile steer, rarely set up, but scratched and talked to him throughout the entire show. There’s also the literal fishing stories, the stories of how many snowcones one kid can consume in a week, and the young showman that was shy and terrified, but now is ready for next year.
The pickups making the trek home are full of conversations about better starting weights, different breeders, feeding regimens, and more practicing and training. Whether those plans come to fruition by next year is anyone’s guess, but for now, goals and plans are being made to be better. That’s all anyone can ask.
To all the exhibitors that are sad, and even to those that had challenging animals and say “Good Riddance”, congratulations! You made a commitment to your breeder, your families, yourself, and to an animal that depended on you for its survival. You all are champions! Your parents, leaders, advisors, volunteers, fellow members, breeders, and regular citizens are proud of you. REALLY, TRULY proud of you.
The news says youth today are lazy and the world will go to hell when this generation takes over. They’re always on their phone and only believe in instant gratification, and participation trophies for all. I disagree. The youth of Washington County are exceptional, and although I saw many a phone in the barn, the kids were only on them in down time. Their animals, chores, and schedules came first. I have faith in this generation, and I believe they will set a stellar example for the next generation.
For anyone that thinks market animal exhibitors are cold and cruel because they send their beloved animals to market, I challenge you to have the strength of character, drive, ambition, and empathy that all of these kids have. It’s a rare and impressive quality.
Also, kudos to the parents and volunteers that use their vacation time from work to work 10 times as hard for free at fair! From the Fair Board, Extension staff, 4-H leaders, FFA Advisors, superintendents, parents, and volunteers. I commend you. You are helping to mold future leaders of this crazy world, even though you think you’re just going to fair. It’s bigger than that, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. It definitely takes three small communities to raise a couple hundred amazing kids and nearly 400 animals in a small county in Idaho. See you next year. Same time, same place!
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