|
 Rabbits began at 7:30 a.m. and poultry followed
shortly thereafter starting at 8 a.m.
This year there were some top quality animals shown in both
categories.
The number of youth participating this year in the rabbits seemed to
be down just a little bit, and at the same time, it appeared that
there was a small increase in those participating on the poultry
side.
Will Stambaugh was a returning showman on the rabbit
side and represented well in every class. The judges' comments
reflected that Will is doing a great job raising his animals.
Others in the show were equally impressive including
a young lady named Ivy Sandel. Ivy took her task of showing her
rabbit very seriously but did manage to give us a sweet smile when
she had that first big win behind her.
While there were a half dozen excellent youngsters showing excellent
animals, when it came down to the wire, Ivy edged everyone out,
taking the Grand Champion Rabbit.
On the poultry side, Reed Naughton was a familiar
face as was Ethan Bertram who was doing double duty showing rabbits
and chickens. Several of the others on deck were a little less
familiar but no less capable of putting on a good show with their
birds.
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 As the judge worked through each class, he took
the time to speak with the kids one-on-one and also collectively
giving them tips on showmanship and talking to them about what he
wants to see not just in the bird, but also in the young men and
women showing. One key point he brought out
to the youngsters was that of good sportsmanship. He talked to the
kids, saying that when they are doing well and see someone else
struggling a bit, to reach out and give that person a hand. If they
are struggling to get a bird in the show cage, be a good sport and
offer assistance if possible. He noted to the kids that it is the
right thing to do and that it bodes well on the kind of person they
are when they have the compassion to help others.
One noticeable difference at this year's show was the absence of
David Opperman. David with assistance from son Sam and daughter
Meghan has overseen the 4-H poultry judging for the past several
years. This year, the show was hosted by Sam and Meghan, who did an
excellent job. Dad should be proud. At the
end of the chicken division, Reed Naughton came out the big winner,
taking the championship chicken trophy. Naughton had taken first in
Chicken and first in Rooster. The championship would come down to
the two birds face-to-face, so to speak. Reed's rooster was already
in his judging cage and he went to grab his hen. When he returned,
the judge smiled and said, don't bother putting her in the cage, she
is the winner.
This is Naughton's second year to take the championship trophy.
The Maxine Maxheimer Memorial Children Award for the
Champion Chicken was presented to Naughton by members of Maxine's
family. Left to right are Maxine's grandson Tanner Stramp, Naughton,
Maxine's son Dale and granddaughter Jessa Maxheimer.
Teresa Stramp, who normally stands to the side and
takes a picture of the occasion for the family album, this year took
her turn in front of the camera posing with Reed and her brother
Dale for a second championship photo.
The poultry show would continue with turkey and geese. In that show
there were a couple of really nice looking geese, and one incredibly
large turkey. Those birds had no doubt been taken very good care of
and would go on to show well at the Logan County Fair.
[Nila Smith]
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