Knox Cecil had big dreams going into his first Goat Quality Showing at the North Idaho State Fair.

“I’m looking forward to winning and getting a belt. I really want a shiny belt buckle with a goat on it,” he said. 

Proudly showing off his American flag cowboy boots, Cecil and his goat, Chica, made their debut in the show ring Tuesday — and for Cecil and Chica, this year’s event was a family affair.  

“Chica and Jar Jar are twins!” Cecil happily shared as he introduced his cousin, Tristan Pafford, and his goat, Jar Jar.  

“I’m most looking forward to showing Jar Jar and doing good with him. I want to get my name out there,” Pafford said.   

Tuesday’s goat showing followed months of hard work by North Idaho’s youngest livestock handlers. Tiffany Iverson, who has been a part of 4-H for six years, described what went into getting her goat, Nugget, ready for show. 

“You practice bracing them almost every day for months. We’ve been practicing every day since February,” Tiffany explained. Bracing involves setting a goat’s feet and legs in a way that shows off the animal’s muscle and overall body structure.  

For Brent Jennings, the judge of Tuesday’s showing, livestock showmanship isn’t about winning. 

“It’s an awesome opportunity for kids to come out and showcase what they spend months working on. They really learn so much. It’s not just about who gets first or last. Everyone really gets just as much out of the experience.”  

The fair continues today and goes until Sunday.  

Judge Brent Jennings looks over a class of goats, including Knox Cecil's Chica.

    A leopard and a zebra — on stilts — were a fun surprise at the North Idaho State Fair on Tuesday.