STORY BY RYLEE BRETTON
Between summer jobs, sports activities, and family vacations 4-H‘ers still managed to fit the Phillips County fair into their schedule.
The Phillips County fair took place in Phillipsburg, Kansas July 26-29. A fair-goer could find many exhibits ranging from livestock, to cooking, to photography.
The fair began on Friday, July 26, with photography, foods, arts and crafts, and horticulture judging. For many 4-H’ers, this is their favorite part because they finally get to present their hard work to the judge with hopes of getting a purple ribbon. After judging is finalized and the grand and reserved champions are announced, there is a food sale for all of the prepared foods that did not receive a grand or reserve champion ribbon. That evening, the fair food stand prepared fried foods such as blooming onions and funnel cakes to be eaten while playing the different games provided at the fair.
On Saturday, the day began with the dog, rabbit, and poultry show.
“I love the rabbit show, because I get to show my cute rabbit Lila,” said Savannah Bretton, a three year member of the Deer Creek 4-H club.
That night, fair day two is concluded with the goat and sheep show.
Sunday is a jam-packed fay full of events. The morning beginnings with a church ceremony from a local pastor. Immediately following is the swine show. The swine show begins with the “Pee Wee Show.” This is a chance for future 4-H’ers who are not old enough to be in 4-H to practice their showing skills before the “Big Kids” have their time to shine. For many 4-Hers, this is their favorite part of the fair.
“I like the swine project because my pigs are like pets to me. I get to take care of them and then get the chance to show them at livestock shows. I also have met so many friends throughout my years of showing,” said Toree Slavik, an eight year member of the Lone Prairie 4-H club.
Following that is an afternoon full of fun including the pet parade and greased pig contest. Community members were encouraged to bring their pets to the pet parade and show them off.
The greased pig contest is hosted by the Phillipsburg FFA club. They bring in pigets and cover them in grease.
On the count of three, participants have to capture a pig by their hind legs and drag them into the circle in the middle of the ring. A cash prize is awarded to first through third place. Following that, 4-H’ers change their clothes and get them and their livestock ready for the beef show. To begin the show, the “pee wee showmen” start by showing their bucket calves. Then the junior bucket showman take the stage, followed by the returning bucket calves, and to close the show the intermediate and senior classes.
On Monday, July 29, 4-H’ers are tested on their knowledge by competing in contests that range from crops to horticulture. At the end of the day, the individual winners are awarded along with teams. Winners are eligible to compete at the next level in these events. To close the fair, is the premium auction where each 4-H’er is allowed to sell one animal of their choice.
County Fairs provide excellent opportunities for local 4-H clubs to showcase their hard work throughout the year, and the Phillips County Fair was no exception.