Sheep Show an ambitious arena with treats at the end

[August 11, 2021]   At 8 a.m. on Thursday morning a crowd gathered at the sheep barn for the annual Sheep Show. The 4-H and Jr. Sheep shows are open to Illinois residents between the ages of eight and not yet 21 years old on or before September 1, 2020. Spectators gathered to cheer on their favorite youngster as they entered the show ring.

The sheep show is typically one of the largest livestock shows at the Logan County Fair and this year was no exception. Judged by Bailey Irick, who offered her critique to each youngster, the show proceeded without any hiccups. Irick commended the youth often on the fine job they were doing taking care of the sheep and presenting themselves in the center ring. She apologized several times for being a "nickel short of critical" but she had to pick the best of the best for the winners.

The official production team this year included Superintendent John Coers; and as Assistant Superintendents Jim Coers and Clint Garey; Secretaries Annie Coers and Mallory Garey; with many family members as farm families do, always lending a hand where needed before, throughout and following the event.

Once the serious competition work is over, the Coers always try to cook up some fun to close out the Sheep Show. For this year's special post-competition 'let it all loose,' there were a couple special activities added.

The Peewee Showmanship was for very young spectators who were invited into the ring. Each youngster was paired up with an experienced individual who handled the sheep for the little ones. Most of these little people did not have experience with farm animals, but they had a blast meeting their sheep and parading around the show ring.

One gentleman in the crowd said, "Look at that little girl with the glasses on. You can tell she has no experience with animals." Her Nana overheard and responded, "No. She has a dog, but she has never been around farm animals. He said, "You can tell by the look on her face. Her eyes lighting up is fantastic and that is what this is all about."

Another crowd favorite in the Pee Wee division was the Costume Competition. There were extra points if the costumes were made of ..., hope you guessed it, WOOL. Lightning McQueen, and his best friend 'Mater Sheep' were a big hit.



At the end of the day Grand Champion Awards were awarded to the best of the best:

SUPREME OVERALL FEMALE – Jayce Coers

GRAND CHAMPION EWE LAMB – Jayce Coers
RES. GRAND CHAMPION EWE LAMB – Jayce Coers

GRAND CHAMPION RAM LAMB – Jayce Coers
RES. GRAND CHAMPION RAM LAMB – Jayce Coers
 

GRAND CHAMPION PAIR OF LAMBS – Jayce Coers
RES. GRAND CHAMPION PAIR OF LAMBS – Audrey Cooper

GRAND CHAMPION EWE – Jayce Coers
RES. GRAND CHAMPION EWE – Jacob Lawrence

GRAND CHAMPION WETHER – Jayda Allspach
RES. GRAND CHAMPION WETHER – Rohan Allspach

JR. SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP – Ryder Conrady
SR. SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP – Rohan Allspach

[Lisa Ramlow]