It started with a whinny and a bang as the 4-H Fair Horse Show the weekend of July 20-21.

Many, if not all, of the kids who participated in those opening events also entered other projects that were judged and viewed by fair goers throughout the week.

Monday, July 22, was the ‘Interview Judging’ event in which every 4-H entrant participated. Those with animals brought posters and record books while those entering non-animal projects brought their projects to be judged. All were interviewed by friendly and helpful judges who give feedback and advice on their work.

The dog events which included showmanship, obedience, rally, and agility classes were held Tuesday morning and were filled with Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and a wide variety of other dogs. The rest of the day was busy with 4-Hers and FFA members bringing their animals to the fair and getting them settled into their stalls and cages.

Showmanship and project judging of various animal species occurred Wednesday through Friday and culminated in the ever popular ‘Round Robin’ showmanship events on Saturday.

Scattered in among the judging events were the livestock auction Thursday night, dinners on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the Fashion Review Thursday, and a small fry stock show Thursday.

Hundreds of kids from throughout Lake County participated in the fair. Emotions ran the gamut, but whether any individual was disappointed or elated, every kid who brought projects and the parents and leaders who helped them prepare should be proud.

They should feel proud of the hard work they put in, the learning they achieved, and the accomplishment of preparing and showing a project regardless of the ribbon awarded.