2010 Athens County Junior Fair

Hi Everyone!

We've had a terrific fair week-- complete with lots of fun, a bit of disappointment, and a HUGE surprise! The weather has been VERY hot, but, at least so far, our bunnies have been surviving, and we've managed to make the best of it too :)

Given that Emmy competed in dog, food, and photography at the county (and state for dog and food) before our actual fair began, she's been able to relax and enjoy the rides and festivities with Ellie-Kate. We constructed our booth on Sunday, August 8, and then participated in the fair parade that afternoon.

Our big surprise of the week came when Britti took a flight home and then strolled into the sheep barn and shocked us on Sunday!!! It was the most natural thing in the world but the most surprising because we didn't think that she could get off from her job at Disney. Even though she flew back on Tuesday, I'm STILL pinching myself to see if I just dreamed the whole visit :)

Chelsea has had a very busy week. She's serving on the Junior Fair Board, and she worked both of the swine shows, part of the sheep show, and she's going to announce for the Ultimate Showmanship competition tomorrow. In addition, she showed her rabbit on Tuesday. Although she studied hard and did a great job, she got second in her breed category (losing to the eventual Best of Show rabbit!) and didn't place in Pro Showmanship. (Given that she won Senior Showmanship last year, she had to move up to Pro for the rest of her time in 4-H.) Anyway, we're frustrated that the judge didn't factor in actual showmanship during that competition because Chelsea did a great job with her rabbit during the show, and, given that others also missed a question or two during the interview, we're even more confused about the result. Oh well... Chelsea's moved on and looking forward to next year for the rabbits... and next week for tennis. When she hasn't been working a show for the Junior Fair Board or keeping her rabbits alive in spite of the heat, she's been hanging out with her friends around the grounds as well as going to tennis try-outs from 3-5 p.m. each day.

It's been so much fun to watch Ellie-Kate as she rides on rides, sees the animals, and walks around the fairgrounds in her little cowgirl boots. She especially loves the pony rides. She might just be another horse girl like Britti! Her face just lights up when she gets on a pony for a quick ride.

Hope that everyone is enjoying these last few days of summer! I'm posting some more pics from the fair soon :)

Fondly-- Christie