2014 Jefferson Davis Parish Fair Livestock Show

One of the things that just screams, "Fall is Here!" is the arrival of the Parish Fair. The kids are all let out of school for Fair Day.  The carnival folks come in with tractor trailers pulling ferris wheels, the Scrambler, Tilt-a-whirl, and other rides along with an assortment of corn dog, candy apple, and Funnel Cake vendors.  Local civic organizations and clubs like the Lion's Club and the local FFA chapter have booths selling BBQ brisket burgers and sausage po-boys.  Excitement is in the air!

In addition to all of that going on, there is the Fair Parade down Main Street.  After dropping off Benjamin's Jersey Heifer, Amy (short for Amaryllis), at the livestock barn, we took off to attend the Fair Parade and lined the street along with many others.  We all smiled and waved as the police cars, horses, marching bands, fair queens riding atop convertible Corvettes, smiling political hopefuls, and firetrucks lined the streets.  They all through candy and beads and cups to the crowd.  We have almost half of a Wal Mart bag full of sweets to snack on after Benjamin caught a bunch.

The livestock show wasn't until noon, so we had a little time to kill.  We went through the exhibition hall and looked at all the produce and desserts and agricultural products that people had entered with blue, red, and white ribbons attached to them.  We also walked through and viewed the booths that different clubs had set up.  Benjamin's Dairy Club put together the booth below that promoted the consumption of dairy products.  They always do such a nice job.

The Dairy Club's Booth

We went to the livestock arena and walked through the area that contained the rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, rabbits, etc.  It was interesting to see all the different breeds of animals, some we had no idea existed.

By that time it was about time to show.  We had previously cleaned Benjamin's heifer, Amy, up. Amy is 11 months old.  Benjamin showed in a Showmanship competition and also in Amy's regular class.  We are good friends with everyone that shows and we all visit and get tips from one another. Here is Benjamin in the ring for Showmanship.  In Showmanship, the focus in on the exhibitor, not the animal.  The judge is judging on the skills of the person showing the animal, how well they control the animal, how quickly the showman sets up his animal and maintains eye contact.  They like fluid motion and confidence.

Showmanship

The Sheriff led the animals and exhibitors around the ring, assisting the judge. Manners and professionalism is taught and all the exhibitors, win or lose, walk over to the judge and shake his hand on the way out of the ring.  Seeing this gives you some hope for the next generation.

Jersey Class

Benjamin and Amy got a nice blue ribbon that says, "Jeff Davis Parish Fair 1st Place."

Nice Job!

Amy was very well behaved in the ring.  Sometimes she can be a little stubborn, but Benjamin has been working with her and she leads pretty well.  He's got a few months to get better before the Spring shows.

Amy didn't want to face the camera, a little shy about her ribbon, I guess.

Finally, here's Benjamin and his Momma posing with Amy.

Tricia, Benjamin, and Amy at the Jeff Davis Parish Fair - 2014

We loaded Amy back up in the trailer.  She was eager to get back home to her pasture and her little animal family.  Benjamin stayed behind at the fair with some friends and bought a $20 bracelet which enabled him to ride as many rides as he liked for the rest of the afternoon.  He had a good time and told me that he got his money's worth!