Kids Hope To Sell Stock At 4-H Fair
The Eastern Idaho State Fair is still weeks away, along with the rides and delicious food that comes with it. But hundreds of kids and their animals have taken over the grounds for the Bingham County 4-H Fair.
Sierra Ranstrom puckered up to the steer she’s dubbed Lovely.
“He’s the one I can tell my secrets to,” said the Pingree girl. “And he doesn’t give me opinions on it.”
The 12-year-old has been working with the animal she calls her best friend since March, getting ready to show him off at the fair for the fourth time. And now, it’s here.
“It’s just like doing your own hair, you have to ‘poof’ it and make it look nice,” said Ranstrom, while brushing Lovely.
Judges will evaluate Ranstrom’s presentation of Lovely and how well the two interact.
The same competition is held for goats, sheep, hogs, and cows, along with about 175 Bingham County kids, who show off months of preparation.
They’ve been walking, training, tending to hair and feeding to make sure the steers are nice and fat for the quality class.
“He weighs 1,370 pounds,” said 10-year-old Conner Ranstrom about his steer.
“They’ve got time and they’ve got money into these animals,” said Laura Monroe, who’s with Bingham County 4-H.
After months and months of hard work, the fair is a fun five days for the kids, and the ribbons do look good on the wall. But everyone’s ultimate goal is to bring home the bacon.
No, not the pigs, but a pay-check from whatever stock they sell.
“It’s kind of sad to see him go, but then you’re like, ‘I got this money, now I can pay for college.’ Then I’ll get another one,” said Ranstrom.
And while she plans to keep saving for college, this year’s check is for a splurge.
“Me and my little brother are going to share and we’re going to buy an iPad,” said Ranstrom.
The Bingham County market sale is Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds in Blackfoot.
The Bonneville County 4-H fair is also going on this week. That sale is 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds.
