13 Wayne children bring goats to State Fair
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 19, 2005 1:49 PM
Plenty of pastel-colored plaid shirts, shiny oval belt buckles, worn-down cowboy boots and dozens of dark blue jeans were needed to prepare the children representing Wayne County at this year's North Carolina State Fair.
And let's not forget their goats.
Thirteen children traveled from Wayne County to Raleigh this week to compete in the meat goat competition at the annual state fair.
These contenders sought blue ribbons, achievement pins and a place in state fair lore on Tuesday as the Carolina Youth Meat Goat Circuit culminated in Raleigh, they said.
Amanda Wheaton, 9, came to Raleigh with her mother, Cindy. As she sat reading in between events, she said one of her goats, Chocolate, was destined to place high this year.
"I think we'll probably get second or third place," Amanda said. "I hope so."
At lunchtime, many of the Wayne County showmen sat together on fold-out chairs, telling stories and sharing a few laughs before the next competition. They made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and drank lemonade while parents passed around homemade cookies.
Others, like Amanda, had different food in mind and sent their parents in pursuit of their fair-favorites.
"I want a steak sandwich," she said.
When the events resumed, a family feeling was present in the holding area, parents said.
"Some of the kids have more than one goat in the same class," Vivian Rowe said. "So the ones who don't have one in that class will help show them."
Mrs. Rowe said all the Wayne County competitors help each other.
"It's a good group," she said. "We all just want Wayne County to be successful here."
Her daughter, Elizabeth, tasted success Monday night. Elizabeth finished second in the junior division and was named Reserve Champion. In addition to her placing among the leaders, she took home the Super Showmanship Award.
At the end of the afternoon, dozens of ribbons and pins hung from the cages above Wayne County's winning goats. Most will be heading back home with their owners, while others, including Amanda's goat Bank Account, were sold Tuesday evening.
"His name is Bank Account because that's where the money he makes us goes," Mrs. Wheaton said.
Other students participating in the State Fair goat show included Michael Sauls, Jacob Sauls, Marisa Linton, Alec Linton, Ryan Roberson, Brett Roberson, Derek Roberson, Renee Mooring, Lydsay Lowe, Avery Faulkner and Josh Sauls.
Goats are not the only livestock show that will have Wayne County faces in it.
Youths entered in the state market hog event include Avery Faulkner, Rex Price, Michael Sauls, Jacob Sauls, Douglas Williams, Chloe Edwards, Haley Edwards, Maura Phipps, James Phipps, Steven Tart and Caroline Tart.
Those enrolled in the horse competition include Amanda Wheaton, Sarah Woody, Katie Connelly and Molly Parker.