Livestock Show and Sale
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on April 14, 2004 2:00 PM
Heavy rains did not dampen the spirits of youngsters getting ready to show their livestock on Tuesday.
The Wayne County Fairgrounds became a haven for goats, hogs and feeder calves brought in to be weighed, washed and brushed before the 56th Annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show and Sale.
Cullen Grantham, 6, of Grantham is participating in his third show and sale at the fairgrounds and worked hard washing his 62-pound goat named "Little Buddy" before the show.
News-Argus/Dennis Hill
Haley Edwards struggles to maintain a grip on her goat during the Wayne County Junior Livestock Show on Tuesday at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
His sister, Hannah, also showed her 99-pound goat named "Big Butch." They both received some help from their mother, Diane, who stood outside in the drizzle with them. She said they picked their goats out in Albertson and said they have done a good job taking care of them.
"It teaches them a little responsibility," she said.
They also learn perseverance, that there is a reward for hard work and how to see things through to the end. It's also fun.
"They enjoy the camaraderie, competition and seeing their friends," added Ms. Grantham, who has been involved in the event since she was a child.
She said they will wait until they are older to start the circuit, which involves going to shows in five surrounding counties and the state fair. Any money they win will go into a college fund, she added.
Katy Rikard, 14, is from Rosewood and showed a 205-pound and 225-pound hog this morning. She was encouraged by her cousin to participate and said she has learned patience and that food is great for motivating the pig-headed. She showed her hogs some food to help get them through the weigh-in process and to the pin.
"If you work with them a lot, they are real nice to you," she said.
Elizabeth Price, 11, from Mount Olive did not let the rain hinder her from washing her 570-pound feeder calf named "Buckaroo." She is not planning to sell it, but will sell some hogs.
She said she enjoys giving her calf a bath and brushing it.
"It's a job, but it's pretty fun."