Fair Kids

 As the Allen County Fair is quickly approaching, the kids of the Bluffton Cattle Club and the Bluffton 4-H are starting to get excited about showing off their animals. But, long before the show times begin, there is a lot to be done with the animal that is being displayed. The members of the Bluffton 4-H shared all the details of what it takes to prepare an animal for a county fair.

Tyler Begg, Josh Begg, Jason Althaus, Schuyler Caprella, Matthew Spallinger and Andrew Spallinger are five members of the Bluffton Cattle Club. According to the club, a number of duties need to be taken care of when you are prepping a cow for the Allen County Fair.

First and foremost, they said you have to get up early in the morning, no later than 7 a.m., and make sure the animal has plenty of food and water. Then throughout the day one has to wash them, walk them and clean their pen. All in all, they suggested that their cow should be checked on about two to three times a day or spend a total of about three hours with the animal per day.

Some members have been showing cattle at the fair for years like Matthew and Andrew Spallinger, others are trying it out for the first time such as Jason Althaus. Jason’s father, Jeff Althaus said this past year has been a learning experience for Jason and he has received help from a neighbor that has always had cattle. Jason has learned how to change the halters on the cow as well as how to effectively wash and groom it. Jeff said that he and Jason have also been working on getting the animal to set up right for the judge, making sure it stands in one place for a while and getting it use to different people, sounds and places. To get his cow used to strange and loud noises, Jason said he turns on a radio next to the cow during the day.

“The 4-H teaches kids responsibility and a hard work ethic because they have to know all the steps it takes to get their animals ready. They learn that you have to feed your animal day and night, no matter if you feel like it or not,” Jeff said.

Two members of the Bluffton 4-H, Jared Meyer and Zane Myers, are showing chickens in this year’s fair. Jared said his responsibilities also include going out in the morning and at night to make sure his feathered friend has adequate water and feed. Giving it a bath, changing its bedding and letting it run around for plenty of exercise are also regular chores in caring for a chicken. He also picks the animal up several times a day, that way it will get used to being held and hopefully offer a good showing to the judges, when it comes time for that at the fair.

Jeff Althaus said he likes how most 4-H kids are unique in a sense that they are able to embrace an experience for an entire year. Most other hobbies like team sports are only a three-month long commitment, he said.

“When they’re done with 4-H, these kids should be able to pick out a good quality animal. And that should teach them some good basic business skills as well. The 4-H should have a big benefit for these kids.”

Members of the Bluffton 4-H said they enjoy their projects for several reasons. It teaches them how to properly take care of animals, it allows them to show off their hard work and, most importantly, they get to hang around the fair for most of the week.