With the threat of storms looming on the horizon and the fresh tantalizing sent of barnyard filling the nostrils, the Clay County Youth Agriculture Fair was under way this past Friday and Saturday. It was definitely Hollywood night as the red carpet was rolled out for some of the finest looking animals in this county. There may have not been as many royal competitors in attendance as in previous years, but the quality was a 110 percent. The youth participants in the 4-H exhibits put a lot of work into their projects and some will grace the big stage at the West Virginia State Fair and will compete for best of show.
On Saturday night, the auction was held as youth paraded their animals in the corral for the anticipating buyers. The stands were full of bidders, and it was a great time for the youth to understand the meaning of hard work paying off. A big thanks goes out to those who bid and made it possible.
Carly Triplett participated in the Ag Fair for the last time and will move on to study to be a Veterinarian and continue her passion for raising and helping animals. Carly has been a part of the fair since she was six years old and has continually brought in some of the finest animals the fair has ever seen. She will be missed but hopefully will play a part in the event in some way in the future.
All in all, it was a good show, and as we walk away from the event with good memories and some with money in their pockets, let’s not forget those that made everything possible. With names like Betsy, Bo, Piggy, Butterscotch, Snow, and Stanley, the list sounds more like a new epic Disney film cast than farm animals at the fair. Without these laudable figures who stand in the fields and pens and brave the elements day after day, this event could not take place. So, the next time you stand in their presence, take time to speak their language, scratch a head or a belly let them know you value their sacrifice. Just a tip – when you hear the grunts, cackles, screeches, low bellows, and loud wavering cries, much like us, it’s time to eat. The youth of this county, who still hold true the ideals of farm life and have a desire for this way of life to continue, did a great job of raising some of the most superb farm animals I have seen. The ones who were at the helm of the Clay County Agriculture Fair also did a fine job of putting it together. It is good that we still have people who care in this county.
