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The
4-H and Junior Sheep Show was held at the Logan County Fair Thursday
Aug 6. Over the years, this has become possibly the largest
livestock show at the fair, due in no small part to superintendent
John Coers and his family. The Coers, of New Holland, are avid sheep
ranchers and market their special meats throughout the state.
Promoting sheep events at the fair and encouraging kids to raise
sheep, the annual judging events feature special activities that
make the day all the more special.
The show began early in the morning and ran to just past 1 p.m. in
the afternoon. When the official judging to determine the grand
champion animals was over, the audience and participants were
invited to enjoy lunch “on the house” that included mutton bratwurst
and sides.
When everyone had been served, and most had finished eating, the fun
continued as it was time for the Peewee Showmanship. This event is
specifically for the youngest participants who are not eligible for
4-H because of their age.
The show was divided into three age groups: three to four-year-olds,
five to six-year-olds, and seven to eight-year-olds.
The youngest group was called on first and marched out into the
arena with their sheep and accompanied by an older counterpart there
to “show them the ropes” of sheep showing.
When all the children were lined up and their sheep standing in
place, the judge made the rounds, bending down to kid level and
visiting with each one. She asked questions about the kids and then
questions about the animals.
Then it was time to make a tough decision. Which of these adorable
but very serious little showmen would be tagged as the best in that
class?
Laiyton Davis was the winner of the
three to four-year-old class.
The process was then repeated with the five- to six-year-old
competitors. Again it was a tough decision, but in the end Ellis
Bolen was the winner.
The third class featured the seven to eight-year-olds, and for the
judge, was the most difficult decision of all. While she pondered
the choice the kids waited anxiously, hoping for the best.
And the best was Oaklyn Jason.
Each of the three winners received a banner proclaiming their win
and a check for $250.
With the Peewee show completed, the next event could in no way be
called official! It was all about having fun, sometimes at the
expense of the showmen.
The annual costume show was a hootin’-hollerin’ good time in the
sheep barn.
First up was the adult competition, which featured multiple members
of the Coers family and one obliging member of Logan County Law
enforcement.
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First into the arena was Baaah
Baaah Black Sheep, featuring Annie Coers and Logan County Sheriff
elect Joshua Pharis. The story went that Annie was an escapee from
the Logan County Jail who had been pursued and caught in the infield
of the fairground racetrack.
Next on the scene was Jared Coers
and his sheep-buddy and bodyguard, Big Red.
The third and final entry was John Coers with his sheep Conrad.
Depicting a beach bum with his scuba diving buddy Conrad, Coers’
narrative included a challenge to an upcoming contestant in the
youth show, Emma Boerma.
In the end, John Coers was the winner of bragging rights for the
next 12 months.
The next class of costume contestants were the youth.
Contestants included Maelee Glandon and her sheep Betty as hot dog
vendors. Emma and Ruby Boerma with Daily the world’s largest hot dog
came in and paraded around the arena. Raylon and Layla Screiner
offered a salute to the move Grease. Included in their get ups was a
poodle skirt and top made of wool worn by Layla as she depicted
Sandy from the movie.
Coltyn Conrady and Raelee Komnick stole the show wither their sheep,
Mrs. Yoder and Baby Schrock. Dressed in black and white Amish attire
complete with long beard for Coltyn and apron and prayer cap for
Raelee.
The last three contestants were Fletcher and June commemorating
America 250 with an Uncle Sam interpretation. Jordan Cabot and a
sheep named Milk Shake. The two depicted the evil Cruella DeVille
and one of the 101 Dalmatians. The final entry was a Hawaiian
Warrior named Fluffy with his kid counterpart Myer Cabot.
When everyone had been introduced,
the audience decided on the winner with the volume of their
applause. The decision was hands down, Coltyn Conrady, Raelee
Komnick and their sheep Mrs. Yoder and Baby Schrock.
With the conclusion of the youth costume contest the long, but fun,
day drew to a close.
Peewee sheep show at the Logan County Fair photos slideshow part 1
Peewee sheep show at the Logan County Fair photos slideshow part 2
Annual sheep costume show at the Logan County Fair photo slideshow
[Nila Smith]
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