Clinton County Fair
2018
One element of the Fair seemed to have preserved the energy of the past—the 4H livestock projects.
The barns were full of animals, kids taking care of the animals, and a few parents overseeing it all.
We, along with a good sized crowd, got to watch the turkey judging.
There was a row of teenagers with their turkeys.
The heavy turkey had to be lifted by each 4H member and held upside down for the judge to evaluate.
In the row of teenagers was one much smaller blonde girl in braids who struggled to lift the heavy bird.
She got a quick help from her dad, and then locked her elbows into place to hold the bird as the bigger kids were doing.
The judging lasted several minutes, and so did she.
Only nine years old and presenting her first 4H project, the little determined girl won third place with her heavy bird.
Her look of pride when I asked if I could take her picture, was familiar.
That was the moment that it was the Clinton County Fair.
The barns were full of animals, kids taking care of the animals, and a few parents overseeing it all.
We, along with a good sized crowd, got to watch the turkey judging.
There was a row of teenagers with their turkeys.
The heavy turkey had to be lifted by each 4H member and held upside down for the judge to evaluate.
In the row of teenagers was one much smaller blonde girl in braids who struggled to lift the heavy bird.
She got a quick help from her dad, and then locked her elbows into place to hold the bird as the bigger kids were doing.
The judging lasted several minutes, and so did she.
Only nine years old and presenting her first 4H project, the little determined girl won third place with her heavy bird.
Her look of pride when I asked if I could take her picture, was familiar.
That was the moment that it was the Clinton County Fair.
The first Clinton County Fair was held on Saturday October 26, 1833.
Stories
Charlotte Clement: Going to the fair was a high lite of my summer when growing up. Besides the excitement of having my sewing and cooking projects judged, Mother would pack a picnic lunch complete with fried chicken, potato salad and other goodies. She would park by a tree so we would be in the shade for our lunch. A blanket would be spread, and the picnic basket would be brought out and a big thermos of iced tea. What lovely memories of those special family times!
There are several Fair-related items on the Activities-FFA and Activities-4H pages.