Blog 83

The state fair has been a longtime tradition to so many, and Wisconsin celebrated its 175th fair this year. It really is quite something to see!

The quality of exhibits the state fair brings out is just phenomenal. Entertainment on every block, vendors galore, exhibits and any kind of food imaginable — most of it on a stick.

My son had the opportunity to show once again at the state fair, and I'm pretty sure it's the highlight of his summer. His heifer, a red and white Holstein who I call Big Red, has been nothing short of a handful since we got her in late April. She is pushy and easily offended if you are late with her meals, and she will let you know. Garen has worked really hard all summer to teach her all about show life. Halter breaking, leading, walking slowly, setting up feet, baths, haircuts and all things involved with the princess life.

Other youth have walked her to and from the wash racks and commented on how much of a handful she is, but Garen gets on the halter and she seems to snap right into shape. She is a large animal towering over him, but somehow, she respects him. It shows the amount of time and work he put into working with her all summer. It's a huge commitment that takes dedication and effort to get an unbroke animal to show-ring ready. And even though it’s a lot of work, it seems to be the highlight of the summer.