Off to market can be a 'good life lesson' for youth showing at county fairs

Ava Buzzard, a Hillsdale sixth-grade student, was prepared to say goodbye to Tommy, her Hampshire hog, on Friday amid the hustle and bustle of the Coliseum auction transactions at the Ashland County Fair.

Tommy has been in the family since he was about 2 months old.

Ava's father, Chad, confirmed it is possible to get quite attached to a pig. From walking the animal to calming him down, a lot of time is spent together. Tommy nestles against them to greet them each day, he said.

Ava learned how to take care of him and her other hog, Timmy, in her first year of showmanship as a member of Mohican Country Kids 4-H Club.

It has been a "good, real life life lesson for her," Chad said, encompassing budgeting money for care of the hogs and keeping records.

'A really nice pig'

"He is a really nice pig," Ava said of Tommy, nodding enthusiastically when asked if she would show a hog again next year.

Lining up for the sale and the show ring, Ava, who placed sixth in market hog showmanship, also wore other ribbons she has earned and brought along a flourishing autumn mum, a gift for the buyer.

Among Rhett Bowman's achievements was placing second in market hog showmanship.

On the royal court and champion goat raiser

Kendall Ramey, a 15-year-old Mapleton High School student and ambassador on the Ashland County Fair royal court, also was part of the auction action Friday morning.

Kendall said she breeds animals and knows not to get too attached to them. She plans to put the money she earns back into raising other animals.

Among her accomplishments at this year's fair was a first place award for champion meat born and raised market goat through the This and That 4-H Club.

Buyers are supporting future leaders

Kim McQuate, who has been involved with 4-H for years and showed animals as a child, explained the perspective of a buyer.

A buyer fosters community relations, she said, by "supporting kids who will become future leaders, having been responsible for a project like this."

In pursuing their goals, they demonstrate moral background and hard work, she said.

ShaNa Benner, executive director at The Inn at Ashland Woods, said, "We try to buy a little something in every category."

This year The Inn purchased rabbits, a hog and a turkey, "just to support the kids." We see it as a service to the kids in the community. We know we're here to support the kids and all the work they put into it."

Among Thursday and Friday sales of market rabbits, turkey, chicken, steer, baby beef, hots, goats and lambs, 607 animals were purchased, according to the 4-H secretary's office.

"They sold very well," said Jackie Wasilewski, citing "lots of support" from local businesses recognizing 4-H club members for the hard work they put in.

It wasn't all hard work at the fair on Friday. COSI was on hand for a presentation, and Ohio Tree Carving put on a demonstration. The Midway was swarmed with children and families enjoying a perfect fall day at the fair.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Animal showers at Ashland Fair form bonds that eventually are broken