4-H and FFA members appreciate community support at sale of champions
COSHOCTON – After a week of caring for animals in extremely warm temperatures, riding the many rides on the midway, and eating as much fair food as possible, 4-H and FFA members brought their animals into Hunter Arena on Thursday evening, Oct. 3 where business representatives and other members of the community braved the heat to support the youth of Coshocton County and bid on their animals.
Javin Robinson was the first on the auction block with his grand champion duck. Robinson has been bringing ducks to the fair for three years and turkeys for two. Home Loan Savings Bank purchased his ducks.
“I want to thank them so much,” said Robinson to Home Loan. “These buyers have been with me for almost every year, so I want to thank them so much.”
After selling his duck, Robinson spent some time petting her and saying goodbye.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Robinson. “I think ducks are the most adorable creatures, but it all goes to a good cause.”
This was the first year that Ashlyn Cabot showed rabbits at the fair and she was excited to receive grand champion.
“It was very exciting,” said Cabot. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity.”
Cabot said that she wasn’t that emotionally attached to her rabbits.
“I’m a little sad that they’re going to get eaten, but I know that all animals eventually get eaten,” said Cabot. “I’m not as attached to my rabbits as some people are to their animals.”
Century National Bank purchased her rabbits at the auction.
“I would like to thank them very much,” said Cabot. “I’m very grateful to them for purchasing my rabbits.”
Macey Mizer received reserve grand champion goat last year, but this year was awarded grand champion market goat.
“I think they [the buyers] are going to let me keep it because it’s not going to the carcass show,” said Mizer.
Mizer said she plans to save the money for college.
Emma Rettos sold her grand champion market hog to AEP. This was her first grand champion animal that she has sold at the fair.
“I just want to thank them [the buyers] for being here and taking time out of their day to support the Coshocton County Fair,” said Rettos.
Rettos said that in order to raise a grand champion hog, she was out at the barn every day and night feeding it the right amount of food and getting them to know the whip.
She said the money from the sale will be put into a savings account.
This was also Abigail Lillibridge’s first grand champion. She has been showing animals for eight years and sold her first grand champion turkey Thursday night to Kaufman Realty.
“Thank you for buying my turkey and supporting the fair,” said Lillibridge.
She plans to use the money for college funds.
Malachi Cahill started showing at the fair this year as well and received reserve grand champion for his market steer.
“It feels great,” said Cahill. “There’s still some room for improvement. I want to thank my buyers for buying, and for coming and supporting 4-H and FFA.”
Cahill said he will use the money for buying another steer for next year’s fair and the equipment needed to raise the steer.
Photos by Josie Sellers
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