4-H’ers ready for a busy week at the fair

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – A Dorset sheep bleats a loud “Baa” while Shania Mathes, 15, of Barre blow dries its hair. Shania gave the sheep a bath earlier this morning.

Shania is getting the sheep ready for Thursday’s sheep show. She has been showing animals at the Orleans County 4-H Fair since she was 9.

“I look forward to the fair,” she said, welcoming the chance to see friends and be part of the week-long excitement.

Charlotte McGrath, 11, of Medina cleans the hooves on a dairy animal. Charlotte will be in the dairy show on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Charlee Burger of Hilton meets with the horticulture judges in the Trolley Building. She brought in squash and flowers to be judged.

Many 4-H exhibits are on display in the Trolley Building.

Judges assessed horticulture projects in the morning and in the afternoon checked baked goods, photography and canned goods.

Owen Collyer, 13, of Kendall gives his black angus heifer a trim. He is prepping “Priscilla” for Wednesday’s beef show at 10 a.m.

Owen said he enjoys working with the bigger animals where he said the effort pays off in the show ring with the angus being more cooperative.

He also is showing another angus named “Emmy.”

Bruce Landis of Albion sets up his display of photos. He has been an exhibitor at the fair since the 1970s. He is also a former 4-H’er.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun,” he said about putting up the display.

He said he looks forward to chatting with people throughout the week.

Lane Miller, 6, of Lyndonville practices showing a dairy animal today with other 4-H’ers. Lane is making his debut at the fair as a Cloverbud and will be in the dairy show at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.