4-Hers rewarded for all of their hard work

NORWALK — Rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and goats went up for auction at the Huron County Fair Small Livestock Sale in the Pickworth Judging Pavilion, with Roger Hunker and Don Sweeting serving as the auctioneers. The bidders at the sale are usually businesses or individuals who want to help the exhibitors, as well as generate goodwill in the community. The youngsters receive not only the amount bid for each animal but also its market value, which reimburses them for the time, energy and money that have gone into the livestock. All the numbers listed here are bid prices only. First up were the rabbits, with Thatcher Stevens' Grand Champion pen of three going for $2,000, and Reserve Champ Travis Hinckley's going for $2,200. Foul were next with Maddie Biedrzycki's Grand Champ pen of three chickens earning $1,400 and Reserve Champ Remington Bauer's earning $1,300. Carleigh Davis' Grand Champ turkey earned $1,300 and Lacie Wiley's Reserve Champ earned $2,000. Bringing up the rear were the goats, with Drew Clemons' Grand Champ meat market kid receiving $1,400 and Emily Keene's Reserve Champ receiving $1,200. Anna Mainzer's Grand Champ dairy market kid received $1,400 and Grant Shaarda's Reserve Champ received $1,000. Countless hours of work involving hundreds of 4-H and FFA advisors, teachers, parents, grandparents and others go into helping the kids who show their animals at the fair. Erin Sharp, a member of the County Kids 4-H Club and a junior this fall at EHOVE/Monroeville High School, is one of these kids. Her projects this year were turkeys and photography. Although this is only Erin's second year in 4-H she says it has been, "a great learning experience. The judges are really friendly and give you good information about your project." Another benefit she has received is the friends she has made. She says, "When you join 4-H, you are automatically part of a large family." Intending to study at the University of Findlay to be a vet, Erin says her mother fostered puppies and other animals, and she got to help with activities such as birthing. "It became a part of me, and that's why I want to be a veterinarian," she said.