Sixteen pigs, three steers, four sheep, five horses, goats, rabbits and chickens, were the featured guests at one of the most popular venues at the Mineral County Fair.

It was the 4-H livestock judging contest held on Thursday and Friday. County 4-H members had worked all year raising their respective animal for this event. The 4-H clubs include the Camo Critters out of St. Regis, The Rustlers from Superior, and the Petty Mountain Trackers from Alberton.

The most popular category, pigs, were primarily Duroc and Hampshire mix. With a few Yorkshire breeds in the blend. Crispy Bacon, Toots, Sara Lee, Lola, Nemo, Virginia (Ham), Pig Newton, Blueberry, Gumbi, and Dory grunted, squealed, and strutted around the pen. While Abbi Boggess, from Great Falls, judged the pork for body weight, size, and structure.

“There’s a lot of bacon on this one,” she commented, “it has a lot of length.”

“This one could use more weight,” she said, as she continues to examine the various swine, “remember, you are going out and feeding the world.”

In the end, Jonna Warnken won Grand Champion Market for her 275 pound York-Hamphire-Duroc, Nemo. Danner Haskins received Reserve Champion Market and Showmanship, and Darby Haskins received Grand Champion Showmanship, for 250 pound, Pip. Heather Haskins won Grand Champion Novice Showmanship, and John Pruitt won Grand Champion Jr. Showmanship.

Carter McLees received a blue ribbon for Market, for 330 pound, Pig Newton, and do did Taylor Haskins. A blue ribbon for Showmanship went to Emma Hill for 298 pound, Duroc mix, Stark, and Margaret Parkin, with 297 pound, Gumbi.

Red ribbons went to Payton Milender, Bailey Milender, Decker Milender, Kathryn Parkin, Mary Grace Donally, Baylee Pruitt, Miles Vaillancourt, and Damon Dufresne. Damon was also the lone FFA entry into the fair this year. Beginning this year, the St. Regis FFA organization combined with 4-H to show at the fair.

Madison Hill won Grand Champion Market with her 1,260 pound steer. Tucker McLees received Grand Champion Showmanship with his 1,132 pounder, and Hunter Haskins won Reserve Champion for Market.

In the sheep category, Boggess was commenting on deep loins, huge racks and good leg muscle. Macy Hill won Grand Champion for Market, Penny Foley received Reserve Champion for Market. While Kodi Kelly received Reserve Champion for Showmanship.

With horses, top winners were Hunter Haskins with Ace and Spirit, along with Lanie Crabb. Honors also went to Darby Haskins with her horse Penny, and Alli Parkin with Kate.