Our town is large enough to support almost the whole list of fast food franchises. Still the agricultural roots go deep. There are usually more four-wheel drive pickup trucks than cars on Main Street
A lot of the local kids grow up learning how to care for ranch and farm animals.
They bring their best work to the county fair.
There the animals are shown for the judges.
Plenty of hard work goes into getting things ready.
The livestock are bathed, shampooed
trimmed, and buffed up ‘til they sparkle.
Part of showing an animal is keeping the stall clean of, um, critter poo.
All kinds of beautiful dairy cows
and beef stock are on exhibit.
Horses and riders are put through their paces
for the judges.
Even the little kids
love the animals.
And, yes, most of the livestock are sold at auction at the end of the fair. And, although most of the attendants don't want to admit it, there are tears in spite of the money that goes in the bank.
And, yes, most of the livestock are sold at auction at the end of the fair. And, although most of the attendants don't want to admit it, there are tears in spite of the money that goes in the bank.
Our town is the same way. It's a small town that has grown. We still have 4-H at the High school.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, we don't have a WalMart-yet.
Funny, my word verification word today is 'tailamb'. At first glance, I saw the word tail and the word lamb--your final picture of the lamb made me see it, I guess.
Love the sparkling pigs. The auction is a sad event indeed- been to a couple but won't go ever again. Missed the fair this year...on purpose.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity I couldn't send you the two runaway lambs who have been creating havoc in the neighbourhood gardens - we wouldn't have shed any tears when they were sold!!
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard not to be heartbroken. But I love all that the children learn about caring for their animals. I grew up in the country and I miss it.
ReplyDeleteWe're currently enjoying the Minnesota State Fair -- such a to-do as you can hardly imagine! Did you know there's a state law that no school can start until after the fair so that every Minnesotan can attend? We take our fair very seriously (and second to the fried foods, I like the chickens best).
ReplyDeleteMimi was with me while looking at your photos and she loved all of them! Amazing how cute cows can even be. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyable and informative- these captures of all th animals are delightful. I can imagine it would be sad too! My son's been picking up a number of fuzzy four legged friends, and as a result, he's kinda getting penned in himself (lol). Hope your enjoying your weekend Leenie-
ReplyDeleteLooks just like a walk through our county fair and the pictures you took are the pictures I had wished I had brought my camera to take. It amazes me how clean and pretty these animals are. Thanks for visiting me so I could find you. Looks like we have some things in common.
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