This week, we are living real life at the fair. My kids are in 4H which (shameless plug) is one of the best activities they do.
Completing Projects
This year, they did both still projects and animals. Alex learned about geology and organized his rock collection. Erin did a beginning cooking project.
To complete the project they had to go to still judging, where they met with adults who looked over their books and presentation posters and asked them questions about what they learned. They have to dress up and speak clearly, not just answer the questions well. It’s really excellent practice for building confidence and speaking well.
My favorite of the entire experience was when Alex finished his judging. He sat down where we were waiting, and I asked how it went. He told me the judge asked why he’d chosen this project. He said, “I told him that I didn’t really want to do a still project by my mom and dad made me, but in the end I was glad I’d done it.”
Nice.
A Summer of Work
Of course, while they were working on still projects, they were also taking care of their calves. They chose from the spring calves on the farm, moved them to a separate building, and went over twice a day to take care of them and (later) to walk them so they’d behave in the show ring.
They also worked for their grandpa scraping poop in the barn twice a day. They earned some money, but only for the days they worked. It’s a great way to learn how to get up early (Erin loves to sleep late) and interrupt their afternoon to do work they don’t necessarily want to do.
And then, it was August and time to go to the fair. We spent the weekend getting the calves settled and keeping them clean.
Real Life at the Fair
The dairy show is always on Tuesday, so yesterday was the big day.
They showed their calves, first in showmanship (where they are judged on how they handle the animals). They placed 2nd and 4th, though the judge said the second, third and fourth places were all pretty much equal.
They they showed their calves, this time in the breed show. They show their calves with other calves of the same age, and the judge ranks them on how close they come to the ideal cow of that breed and age. Last year, Alan told me that showmanship judges the kids and breed judges him (since he does the breeding for the farm).
This year, Erin’s calf placed first and Alex’s second in their class. Go Alan!
Fun at the Fair
So the kids have a great time at the fair. Obviously…
But we have some fun, too. To get an all-week pass for Eric and me, we can enter displays as well. This year, we were pleasantly surprised with the results.
Eric’s hot peppers and my chocolate chip cookies didn’t place. And my black raspberry jelly placed third. But we got three first place ribbons!
So, now we have to spend the rest of the week running into the fair to feed, water and keep the calves clean. And on Friday, we’re planning to ride rides. But real life at the fair has been a great experience again this year. For everyone.
And once more, I highly recommend a good 4H club for every child. It’s a great experience, and they learn valuable and long-lasting lessons, whether they win blue ribbons or not.
