We love the county fair…sure it’s hot, and dirty, and the days are long, but there truly is something so special about the memories we make as a family and with friends as the culmination of a whole year of preparation for the kids comes to a close.

I grew up with many wonderful memories showing horses and cattle in 4-H. I met so many great people as I traveled the state and country for judging trips and leadership activities. Many of them I still call friends. I love that my kids are getting the same opportunities to do this now. This was our oldest daughter’s 3rd year at the fair and she did a great job. Not only does she take care of her steers and heifers, she does cooking and the Great Shopping Challenge, where she has a limit of $25 to put together a five-piece outfit. Our second daughter also does the shopping challenge and really enjoys modeling the outfit for the judges. Our son loves anything related to animals and dirt so he’s pretty much in heaven the whole week. So many great county fair memories!!