Orcas 4-H Kids (& Cabbages) Win at the Fair

Report from the San Juan County Fair
By Brigid Ehrmantraut

The Fair began in full swing today, Wednesday; a little chilly in the morning (the guinea pigs were shivering in their cages and houses had to be found for a few) but the sun came out in the afternoon and a couple of kids even managed to get a light sunburn. Bring hats and sweaters!

Still life (art work, horticulture, jams and jellies, sewing, etc.) was primarily judged late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning (yes, Emily’s “ginormous cabbage” did win a blue ribbon).

Some animals have already been judged, some will wait until later in the week. 4-H animals are judged in two ways:  the first is showmanship, where the creature’s owner is judged on his/her knowledge and familiarity with the animal.  4-H kids are evaluated in four age classes:  primaries, juniors, intermediates (that’s me), and seniors.  Second, type class, where the animal is judged against other exhibits of its breed or breed standard and/or on its general health and temperament. So far swine, cows, rabbits, cavies (see guinea pigs), and cats have been shown.

All 4-Hers are winners at heart.  Some of the rosette receivers this Wednesday were:  Junior Cavy:  Christian Bailey from Orcas; Intermediate Cavy:  Keegan from San Juan; Senior Cavy:  Katie Gauthier from San Juan; Intermediate Cat:  Brigid Ehrmantraut (yep, me) from Orcas; Senior Cat:  Grace Thompson from Orcas.  Orcas rabbit veteran Tara Dobos came in with a Reserve Champion rosette in junior rabbit and primary (all primaries come home with rainbow ribbons) Nisha Woolworth showed her cavy, Snowflake.  Orcas Trailblazers took home a few horse awards too.

Orcas 4-H still life did very well. Long time Orcas Fur and Feathers member Kelsey Guyer aced container gardening, senior Tika Thorsen did quite well in baking and table decorating, junior Paris Wilson received numerous “Best in Show” and blue ribbons for her art work, and the judges liked jams that Olivia Brunner-Gaydos and I made, to name a scant few.

Thursday showings feature goat, dog, chicken and more horse events along with the first rabbit/chicken race of the year. Last year’s chicken race champion was Anwyn Thompson with her Ameraucana hen, Butterscotch.

Come see who’ll win tomorrow!