Reporter's Visit To Goat Show Provides New Appreciation
Posted
Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
I hadn’t been in a goat barn — let alone any 4-H barn — for more than 25 years and the first thing I noticed as I entered it at the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair was the whirl of large fans in the rafters that helped move Monday’s warm air. And the kids. Lots of kids, dressed up and looking proper in a farming kind of way. Many of them wore white shirts and pants and jeans that looked new. Some wore hats and many had on boots. One boy sported a man bun and all looked spiffier than normal. As I arrived at the fair Monday afternoon, I decided I wanted a front row seat at one of the animal shows and found the goat barn to my liking, so I found a spot in the bleachers, front and center. Soon, an elderly woman sat to my left. She came with family, who sat one row behind us, but at her advanced age, she and her cane were happy to rest in the front row. We never exchanged names, but she told me her family had provided some of the goats that were in the show and she wanted to see how they performed. Her grandchildren had already graduated through 4-H and it would be a few more years before the next round of family would be old enough to participate. Nonetheless, she was there to enjoy the spectacle that unfolds every year at the Kosciusko County Community 4-H Fair. I told her this was my first fair assignment as a reporter in about 25 years and was attempting to soak in the atmosphere and learn a little something while I was there. Soon, all of the spiffy-looking participants had gathered in the main show area for last-minute instructions from the judge, Tim Flickinger, and 4-H staffer Gretchen Rettinger. First up was the senior showmanship, and the woman next to me offered a running narrative of quips and insights that signaled to me that she’s made a life of farming and 4-H. She was impressed with the amount of time the judge was taking with each of the contestants. Sure, part of the show involves presentation and maneuverability as the kids follow directions from the judge and parade their animals around the ring, but the judge also took his time and quizzed the kids on various aspects about the animals. This is what it’s all about, as far as I’m concerned, said the woman to my left. “Learning,” she said. My new friend deftly picked the top winner long before the judge made his decision. The young girl had a good-looking goat and was in control and looked confident. Who was I to disagree? Next up was the junior class showmanship portion of the show. These kids, as I suspected, were a little less experienced. “They’re here to learn,” the woman said firmly. She once again expressed admiration with how much time the judge was taking with each participant, some of who struggled to control their goats. Soon, a man and woman sat to my right, gleaming as they watched their son parade his goat around the ring. Both had cameras and both were smiling ear to ear, eager to catch that Kodachrome moment. Their son looked slightly nervous and struggled at times – like everyone else — to control his goat, who I believe was named Chestnut. And much like a Little League parent encouraging their child from the stands, the boy’s mom had one suggestion that she mouthed to her son — smile! Smile. Be confident. Enjoy the moment, I thought. And then more advice from my friend to the left: She thought some of the contestants looked slightly distracted and thought they would be better served if they focused their attention directly on the judge. Good advice, I thought. Ninety minutes into the show, it was time for me to leave. I had to head to another assignment. 4-H shows don’t operate on a time clock and I was pretty sure the show was far from over. I said goodbye to my brief friend to the left. I thanked her for the conversation. She said thanks as well. The pleasure, I thought, was all mine.
