The Valley Fair

I had no idea there was so much involved in showing an animal. By the time the Fair was over, I knew more about goats than I ever had or thought I needed to know. Marquis not only just paraded his goat around the ring he had to pose her, know her parts, and what she was used for.
Blue Bell is a Pagora that is a Pygmy and Angora cross. She is a fiber goat as opposed to the other types: Milking, meat, and companion.
The day before the fair he had to get her ready and practice one more time just how to show her , pose her, and conduct himself. She had already had a bath so didn't need that.

Here he is with Blue Bell. He is so serious.
















He was entered in Dress up. He had to Dress her up and his Mom had selected some clothing and accouterments. By the time they were finished Blue Bell was now, Minnie Pearl. Kymberly helped.













The next morning we were up at 5am as the people with the animal trailer would be there at 6:30 and we had three children who needed to get ready. Marquis had to have a particular outfit to take with him--Black pants and white shirt. I found out later that if she had been a dairy animal he would have had to be in all white. Learn something new everyday. Marquis' first showing was at 8:30. Angie packed a lunch in the cooler of taco shells, and stuff to fill them; lots of water; and granola bars. Finally we were off to Valley or at least almost we all had to go back for something we forgot and can you believe I had to go back for my camera.

Marquis already had one blue ribbon for a poster about his type of sheet, of course, he had help.



Mommy had to be sure he was dressed just right as was she. She was also showing but didn't have to be dressed as he was.


















Finally he was ready and waiting. Kymberly and Daniel were also waiting with Daddy.






















At last, he brought Blue Bell into the ring.














He did a wonderful job and was very patient even when Blue Bell wanted to go back with her friends and drug him through the ring. He got up brushed himself off and stood patiently with her.






















He and Blue Belle took a blue ribbon.










Angie and Marquis both showed a Fiber Goat. Angie showed Freckles and Marquis showed Blue Bell. He got a purple reserve ribbon and Angie Champion Purple.

After another Blue Ribbon for Marquis and Purples for Angie we took a break at 1:00 for Lunch and the Parade. We watched other members of his 4H group show their animals. Then, Matthew treated us to Corn on the cob, Huckleberry Tea, and a piece of pie. We watched a little entertainment then went back to the goat barn to get ready for the Dress up show. Marquis' cousins, Makalah and Amiah helped him. Angie held Blue Bell while they dressed her. When they were finished, Blue Bell took second. He had such a great day.

Marquis' Grandma Glenna took a Superintendents ribbon with a Grandpa she made from wool fiber. She shaped it with her hands. It sure is cute.














Finally, it was 4:00pm and we were all very tired. Angie and Glenna stayed behind to get all the animals loaded and back to their homes. Matthew and I took the three children home.

Sunday Marquis got another surprise. Evidently points are awarded for each ribbon and type of ribbon then Money is paid for the points earned. He got $7.00 and Angie I am not sure. He was thrilled and very proud of himself.








Angie's Ribbons
















Daddy is just hanging up Marquis' Ribbons .












It was a wonderful weekend and I awoke Sunday to Happy Birthday Grandma Christy and two little boys piling on top of me. What a wonderful day.

But my exciting time wasn't over. I stopped by Camp Suburu and picked up my new Impreza. My Outback had over 112,000 miles and was starting to give me headaches so I traded it in on Friday and they put an undercoating on it and sprayed a protectant on the seats and did some other things. I love it and I no longer, nor does anyone else, have to worry about me having a break down as I also have roadside assistance and other helps. It gets up to 30mpg.
Here is my car. Isn't it a beauty. Happy Birthday to me indeed.