With a Barnyard Beach Party theme, chances were good the Lake County Fair would be fun. And it was. With beach balls, surfboards, and palm trees as decorations, and Hawaiian shirts and leis on kids and critters, the Ronan fairgrounds was busy and bright last week.

The 4-H horse show kicked off the fair on Saturday, July 19, then 4-H shooting sports participants had a shotgun competition on July 20. Interview Judging was Monday, July 21, and youngsters who had indoor projects to exhibit brought them for judges to evaluate. Those art projects or woodworking masterpieces went on display in the Horticulture Barn so visitors could see the kids’ work.

Tuesday, bright and early, the fairgrounds went to the dogs as 4-Hers showed their pups. Livestock arrived on Tuesday evening, and the fair shifted into overdrive.

The weather cooperated with only one or two hot days, and most of the livestock barns featured fans to mist critters. The bunnies each had a frozen water bottle to snuggle up against to keep cool.

Meriwether, a Nubian goat, stood on the boards of his pen and welcomed visitors to the goat and sheep bar with a low “mmmm,” a request for pets. In the poultry barn, Bob Ross, a duck who looked like he had a cotton ball on his head, was an attraction, as was the baby bunny.

Hard-working volunteer Jennifer Davis managed the 4-H concession stand. All the 4-H clubs worked shifts in the concession or soda stands, learning to take food or drink orders, deal with money, count change, clean tables, and sweep floors. It was more fun with friends, too; and club parents also helped.

The Kid Zone added to the fun. The volunteer-run area for kids was located on the shady northwest corner of the fairgrounds. Kelly Mitchell, pastor of the Pablo Baptist Church, coordinated the Kid Zone aided by volunteers who came from other churches to help out.

Youth could win tickets for popcorn or cotton candy for completing activities. There were also water stations, games and crafts for youngsters during the day.

Fair Manager Sjaan Vincent never slowed down. By this Monday, Vincent said she and her much appreciated crew were wrapping it up.

“We did have a lovely fair,” Vincent said. “The grass was green, the sun was shining, and the kids were having fun.”

Now everyone can take break, have an icy lemonade, and think about next year before they go change pipe.

    Brooklyn Krahn and her steer, both all shined up, wait to go into the sales ring. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Tuneya Evelo holds her bantam on her arm as she feeds, waters, and interacts with the bird in the Lake County Fair Poultry and Rabbit Barn. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    4-Her Verity Krantz guides her market hog around the sales ring. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Setting a new style for the Lake County Fair Market Livestock Sale, Cooper Wayman leads his steer in front of the crowd. (BerlTiskus/Leader)

With a big smile, Ella Dupuis holds her rabbit after she won the junior round robin showmanship. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)