2019 Logan County Fair

2019 Logan County Fair LINCOLN DAILY NEWS July 28-August 4, 2019 Page 357 With nothing to be done about, the rider fell off landing hard on her back. She didn’t move at first, had the wind knocked out of her. All present were relieved when after a few minutes she got up, walked over and got back on her horse. You know the old saying, “Always get right back on the horse.” The day was long with a 10 a.m. start. Announcer Les Payne, with 42 years experience now, was back at the microphone calling the riders out and to stand-on-deck. And by Payne’s side, also a veteran as placing starter was Shirley Kavanaugh keeping everything rolling. Payne’s wife Peggy, with Tammy Skaggs and Candie Wright were nearby making things go smooth at the entry/payout table. Between events Judge Connie Stark, a former top performer herself, stopped into the announcers trailer to deliver stats, and here she gives Kavanaugh a big appreciation hug. Moving barrels in and moving barrels out all day long was the big chore for ring keepers Gene Schmidt; and from Tazwell County, Ben Dodson. The two have done the work for many years and were training a younger fella’ this day. He was alright. We’ll watch to see if he comes back next year. Most competitors entered more than one event, often with a different horse. So there were plenty of other horses to enjoy, some laid back, some more spirited, but all well-mannered even while being out of their everyday element and away from home. You could pick out those horses who were there to enter a race. They were typically a little feistier, maybe keyed up knowing they would need to run short distances and turn often. All, horses and riders, were ready to win ribbons or at least add to their experience this day. Both horses and the riders were well-groomed and in proper attire. CONTINUE