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September 2-7, 2009 3

The Kenton County Fair program is published yearly by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Haydenc/o The Community Press/Recorder/394 Wards Corner/Loveland,OH 45140 or e-mail [email protected]. Or call 513-591-6166.

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Contact153 years and going strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Parade celebrates history of city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5All kinds of horses from all over are the ‘mane’ draw . . . .6Things heat up with the 4-H food competitions . . . . . . . . 6Q&A with longtime volunteer Wanda Painter . . . . . . . . . .7Enhance your fair experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Fair boasts brand new stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Putting the fun back into competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Livestock shows at fair very popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Crafter section a must-see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Fairs and 4-H pass down through the generations . . . . 14It’s off to the races... with chickens, pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Schedule of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Inside

Alexandria Fair and Horse Show4

By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor

The Alexandria Fair is the place to befor six days in September, an event thatalways ends on Labor Day, saluting theend of summer with a flourish.

The fair has been in existence since1856, making this year the 153rd year forthe festivities at the AlexandriaFairgrounds.

“We always refer to our fair as a miniKentucky state fair,” says DougCarmack, president of the Fair Board.“The admission price is $7, and for thatprice you get rides, and a variety ofthings to do every night.”

The fair starts off with a parade onWednesday night, followed by the MissTeen Alexandria Fair and the MissAlexandria Fair pag-eants on Thursdaynight. Friday night fea-tures the showing of thelivestock and one of themany horse shows.

“Our horse shows arevery popular,” saysCarmack, who is incharge of the shows.“We draw participantsfrom all over the coun-try, and the 265 stalls wehave to rent are all full. We have differ-ent horse shows Friday throughMonday, and additional shows onSaturday and Sunday afternoons.”

The fair has many varieties of food,

and Carmack says his family had a foodbooth, so he is aware of the pros andcons of offering food at a fair.

“I had the dining hall for years,” saysStanley Cobb, an associate fair boardmember who has been part of the fairfor 62 years. “One year it rained so hard

we had to shut it down,and me with a wholehall full of food!”

Both Cobb andCarmack are enthusias-tic about the events, andwhen is the best time toattend.

“Monday morning isthe Chicken Rodeo, andif you’ve never seenthat, it’s a treat,” hestates.

Cobb said that since Wednesdaynight is free admission, that is the nightto come. Both say, above all, whateverthe day, come on out to the fair!

153 years and going strong

About the fairThe 153rd Alexandria Fair and Horse Showtakes place Sept. 2-7. Admission to the fair is$7 for those 3 and up. This price includes allattractions, including grandstand events andrides (does not include Pony Rides, Fun Slide,Hillbilly Village, Rainbow Rock Climbing or FearFactory). Children under 3 and pass holdersget in the gate free. All rides are closedbetween 5-6 p.m. for daily maintenance.

www.nky.com

September 2-7, 2009


The Alexandria Fair always kicks offthe celebration with a parade, and thisyear is no different. On Sept. 2 the

parade will start at6:45 p.m. at theCampbell CountyMiddle School andwind its way to thefairground, a distance

of a little less than 2 miles. The themethis year is “That’s Entertainment,” andthe grand marshal is Bobby Mackey, whohas entertained in the community

“We encourage all the entries to fol-low the theme when decorating theirfloats,” says Valerie Sanzenbacker, asso-ciate fair board member. “We havejudges who monitor the parade and giveout first, second and third place prizes tothe ones who best exemplify the themeof the parade.”

She went on to say that she encour-ages everyone to register if they aregoing to be in the parade, and sheexpects to have about 48 to 50 registeredentries. Jean Niser formerly organizedthe parade, and Sanzenbacker helped,but when Niser died four years ago,Sanzenbacker stepped in and took over,creating a set of rules for a more orderly

organization.“I have a place for everyone who reg-

isters, and then put in the invitees, likethe various cities’ fire departments andpolice departments,” explainsSanzenbacker. “We have one band, fromCampbell County High School, and thereare horses, and Boy Scouts, and cheer-leaders, and ball teams. It’s a wonderfulparade.”

Sanzenbacker has all the participantsline up in their allotted space at the highschool, and most are very glad of theorganization.

“People have complimented me onthe organization of the parade,” sheadmits.

The parade is never a short one.“It is sad to say, but the fair parade is

better than the Memorial Day parade,”says Doug Carmack, president of the fairboard. “There are floats after floats. It isso long, that the front of the parade isalready at the fair grounds before the lastof the parade has left the middle school.”

The people who line the parade route,eager to see all of the parade, don’t seemto mind. Sanzenbacker says there arealways tons of people out along theroute, clapping and cheering and sup-porting the Alexandria Fair parade, andthey seem to love it just the way it is.

Parade celebrates history of city

The Alexandria FairParade kicks off the fairat 6:45 p.m. Sept. 2.


By Britt Kennerly | Contributor

When the name of the event isthe Alexandria Fair and HorseShow, it’s a sure bet that veryspecial steeds will be one of the“mane” attractions.

The horse show has becomelegendary at the 153-year-oldfair, boasting 145 classes and asolid, widespread reputationthat pulls exhibitors from theGeorgetown-Lexington area,Ohio, West Virginia, Georgia andbeyond.

Look for AmericanSaddlebreds. Hackneys.Morgans and Miniatures.Appaloosas and Arabians;Belgians, Paints and quarterhors-es.

They and other breeds will allbe on hand, filling the 265 avail-

able stalls – there’s a waiting listjust to get into one of them – andstrutting their stuff in $100 to$1,500 classes.

And while it’s great to seeentrants rolling in from allover, officials say, it’s the folkswho bring their horses fromjust down the road who helpsustain the strong sense of“down-home” that permeates

the competition. “The locals are who make our

show,” says Doug Carmack, fairpresident and, along with hisfamily, a horse-show exhibitor.

“And it really is a great event.It gets into your blood – you gethooked,” he said.

Terry Griesinger of GrantsLick is a longtime exhibitor,bringing American Saddlebredsand Hackney ponies to the ring.

He has between 12 and 15horses in training at all times onhis 35-acre property and raisesthree babies per year, he says.

“I’ve been doing this all mylife – I started showing when Iwas 6 and I’m 55 now,” saysGriesinger.

“My dad, who passed awaythree years ago, trainedAmerican Saddlebreds and

Hackneys all his life, and mygrandpa did it before him. SoI’m a third-generation exhibitor,”he says.

Griesinger, who travels toIllinois, Indiana and other stateswith his horses, is deep into thebusiness end of shows and sales.

Yet, he still enjoys the atmos-phere of county fairs andAlexandria is an great choice forexhibitors of all ages, he said.

He hears good things about itin his travels, he added.

“Some shows attract only the‘horse people,’ ” he says – butthat’s not the case in Alexandria.

“The crowd for the show hereis faithful and really cheers youon … that makes the horsesmore alert and makes the showmore exciting for everyone,”Griesinger says.

All kinds of horses from all over are the ‘mane’ draw


Whether the cookscome bearing coffeecake,chili sauce, sauerkraut orsorghum molasses, thefood-based competitionheats up every year in theexhibit hall of theAlexandria Fair andHorse Show.

Linda Bowers, one of15 fair directors, overseesactivity in the hall where4-H and open-class proj-ects are on display.

“We have so many

wonderful projects com-ing in every year – a real-ly good selection fromboth our 4-H membersand our adults,” she says

And the edible entries?Bowers can’t speak high-ly enough of the volun-teers and local cooks whocome back year after year.

She is dedicated to thedelectable task from startto finish, hinting that “it’swonderful to go over andhave a taste of the piecesthat are left after thejudges cut them up.”

Peach Grove resident

Jane Wright, whose fatherwas a longtime memberof the Campbell CountyAgricultural Society, hasdished out many a win-ning recipe and cannedmany a fruit and veg-etable.

This year alone, herentries will include greenbeans, tomatoes, tomatojuice, blueberry jam,blackberry jelly andpeach jam.

Is this competition asserious as it is tasty?

You bet, Wright sayswith a laugh, adding that

presentation is a keyingredient to a winningentry.

“I’ve been a foodchampion for the last twoyears and it’s a matter ofpride,” she says. “I havea reputation to uphold!”

In 2008, AudreyThomas whipped upprize-winning bread, rollsand coffeecake.

According to her, she’sbeen an enthusiastic cookfor at least 50 years, and

baking is a passion. “I think I kind of

taught myself … I justtook to cooking,” shesays. “About 10 yearsago, my daughter said,‘Oh, Mom, let’s put stuffin the fair. It would befun.’ ”

And, she concludes,her fair forays are stilljust that – fun.

“I think everyone atthe fair does it becausethey really love it,” shesays “I do.”

Things heat up during the 4-H food competitionsRecipes on page 12.

Flowers, vegetables,quilts, and people are justa few of the things WandaPainter, 83, enjoys at theAlexandria Fair. The long-time volunteer has beenworking in the exhibithall since 1969.

Q: What do you enjoy mostabout your work in theexhibit hall?

A: The people. You seenew people every year, aswell as those who keepcoming back. Also, there’sa nice group of people onthe fair board. They allwork without pay, (laugh-ing) well for pay you geta broom and a mop soyou can help out. The fairis all volunteer work.

Q: Is it worth it?A: Oh yes, in the 30

years I’ve been involved,I’ve made some greatfriends. It’s sort of a fami-ly you belong to. Youeven get to see kids growup and become involved,too.

Q: What’s your favoritething about the fair?

A: Oh gosh, just beinginvolved. It’s something Ilook forward to every fall,but you actually work onit all year long. As soon asone fair ends you startworking on the next. Itkeeps you active.

Q: Why do you think vol-unteer work is important?

A: You don’t have toget paid for everythingyou do. Sometimes youlike to just give back tothe community that’sgiven so much to you. Itbrings a real sense of sat-isfaction.

Q&A with long-time volunteerWanda Painter

Alexandria Fair and Horse Show8 September 2-7, 2009 9

For pure excitement, nothing beats the county fair – an annual summertime tradition jam-packed with

food, fun, family and friends. It’s definitely an enjoyable experience, but with just a little pre-planning and

some skillful organizing, you can take it from run-of-the-mill ordinary to absolutely awesome! Here, the

15 top things to bring along:

AppetiteSure, the regulars will be there – hot dogs, curly fries, popcorn. But if you listen real hard, you’ll hearyour name being called by the homemade pies, cakes and cookies peeking out from all those exhibitbooths. Do you think those gals win blue ribbons for nothing?

BinocularsThere’s a great country band playing on stage, but you know the rule, right? If you’re even one inchless than 6 feet tall, you must stand behind a woman with the beehive hairdo or the dad with a kidon his shoulders.

CameraKodak moments and county fairs are made for each other – from your little one’s first spin aroundthe carousel to your husband’s glee at winning that giant teddy bear.

Clothing layersThe days are real scorchers, but the nights can be cool. Unfortunately, birthday suits aren’t allowed,so plan accordingly.

Comfy shoesThought you’d impress the boyfriend with that strappy pair of new sandals? Oh, you funny girl.

Fanny packIt’s definitely not a high-fashion statement, but who cares? When you’re chasing your 4-year-old,while juggling a tired toddler, two blankies and a couple of sippy cups, you’ll be glad you knowexactly where your car keys are.

Hand sanitizerIt’s a dirty world, people. Think about that.

Money, money and more moneyEnough said.

ScheduleYou drove 50 miles especially for the country music show at 8 p.m. Too bad it started at 6.

Sense of humorThere are 25,000 folks drag racing you for that last parking spot near the front entrance. Check yourirritability and bad mood at the gate.

SnacksIt’s a well-known mathematical equation: Kids + fairs = hunger. So, unless you actually ENJOY conces-sion-stand lines in 100 plus degree heat, bring along some small bags of easy-to-eat treats for the littleones.

Stadium seat cushionYou’re with your husband and two sons. Those tractor pulls and Monster truck races can go on for-ever. Do you really want to spend all night on that hard, wooden bleacher? Didn’t think so.

SunglassesMovie-star glamour aside, these accessories are actually good for your health. Plus, Miss LaRue, theFortune-Telling Gypsy, will appreciate your air of mystery.

SunscreenRemember the song, “Burn, Baby, Burn?”

WaterClose your eyes and imagine being lost in the desert for a week. Pretty thirsty, huh? There are proba-bly just as many water fountains out in that country field, pal.


Lisa Koeninger wasalways “fairly comfort-able” getting up in frontof people and talkingwith them.

So, after competing ina couple of area pageantsshe didn’t win, the then-Wilder resident enteredthe Miss Alexandria con-test for a second time.

She came away withthe 2003-2004 crown, a

bevy of new friends, atrip to state competitionand a new outlook onpageants.

As the 2009 Alexandriafair looms and pageanthopefuls line up,Koeninger looks backwith pride on what sheaccomplished during hertime in the spotlight.

She hopes, she says, to“represent pageantswell,” with good gram-mar and a good attitude.

“A beauty pageantisn’t just about beautyand brains,” saysKoeninger, an elemen-tary-school teacher and2005 Northern KentuckyUniversity graduate.

“It’s also about havingthe courage to compete –I wanted to show younggirls that competition canbe fun if it’s done in asweet, friendly way,” shesays.

For many years, the

fair’s only pageant fea-tured babies; in 1994,when Mary Jane Schackcame on board to helpout, the Little Miss andLittle Mr. Alexandria con-tests were the only con-tests.

Now, there are sevenpopular pageants: MissAlexandria, for girls 16 to21; Miss Teen Alexandria,for girls 13 to 15; MissPre-Teen Alexandria, forgirls 10 to 12; AlexandriaFair Princess, for girls 4to 7; Little Mr. and Miss,for boys and girls ages 4to 7; the Cutie Pie pag-eant, for ages 2 to 4; and

the baby contest, for boysand girls in age groups 6to 12 months, 12 to 18months, and 18 to 24months.

“We hope it’s enjoy-able for our entrants atevery level,” says Schack,now pageant director.

“And for our MissAlexandria contestants, itreally is a chance to helpboost their confidenceand learn more aboutpresenting themselveswell,” she says.

For entry information,go to the Web pagehttp://tinyurl.com/ltauct.



When the 153rd edition of theAlexandria Fair gets under wayon Sept. 2, fairgoers will see abrand new stage where much ofthe entertainment will go on. Thenew addition is 45 by 100 feet,and is a Godsend for many eventslike the children’s pageants andthe children’s activity events,which were previously problemat-ic if the weather was inclement.

“We are very excited about thenew stage,” says Doug Carmack,president of the fair board. “It isan improvement a long time com-ing, and will be a convenience for

everyone involved.”The new stage is located off the

corner of the dining hall “wherethe big trees used to be” accord-ing to Stanley Cobb, who hasbeen a part of the Alexandria fairfor the past 62 years.

“It’s a good sized stage,” hesays. “There is seating underneatha cover, and it is really nice.”Cobb remembers when peopleused to get food from the dininghall and go out under the treesand have a picnic. “Now you cango and sit in the bleachers andeat, if there are enough seats.”

And there are plenty of seats –420 people can sit in the bleach-ers. The stage is covered, too, and

there is also a 45-by-16-footdressing room that is air condi-tioned.

“The stage area is 24-by-45feet, and it replaces a tiny stagewe had back there,” saysCarmack. “The whole project costclose to $120,000 and was paidfor by hard work from all of uson the Fair Board putting on fairsand demo derbies. The projecttook about 5 months to build.”

There is a concrete floor forthe seating area, and the stageitself is a metal frame structurewith a concrete floor. Carmacksays the board thought theCounty Conservation officescould share the stage for their

functions. The board is responsi-ble for the design of the stageand the bleachers.

“It will have a multi-function-al use,” says Carmack “For thefair, we will use it for all the pag-eants up to the Miss TeenAlexandria, and we will have thepedal tractor pull on it, as well asquite a few other children’s con-tests. We are very pleased withthe stage, and invite people tocome out and see it.”

Fair boasts brand new stage

Putting the fun back into competition

“We are very excited about thenew stage.”

September 2-7, 2009

By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributer

Animals have a very big role in theAlexandria Fair. For the history of thisfair, the members of the 4H clubs andthe FFA, or Future Farmers of America,have raised animals as projects to learnhow to feed and care for animals, and toshow and sell them at the fair as theirultimate goal.

“The cattle start showing at 7 p.m. onFriday night,” says Harlan Steffen, direc-tor on the fair board who has organizedthe animal shows for years. “The 4Hand FFA animals show first, and thenwe have what is called an open show,where all people can bring animals theywant to show.”

The next morning, beginning at 9a.m., the hogs, lambs and goats areshown, and then Saturday evening thesale begins.

“All the animals in the show are inthe sale,” says Steffen. “We never knowhow many we are going to have untilthey show up.”

Raising an animal for the fair is notintensive work, but it requires vigilanceand persistence. Ruth Myers has beenraising animals for the last eight of her18 years, and she says you have to havea passion for it.

“In the spring we pick out a lamb,and weigh it in,” she explains. “We lookfor specific characteristics in the lamb.Then you have to feed it twice a day,clean its stall, teach it some manners,and shear it, especially right before thefair.”

Her lamb’s name is Audi, and thoughMyers is majoring in nursing, she feelsthat raising the animals gives her anunderstanding of what it takes to pro-duce food on a larger basis.

“It takes work and dedication,” shesays. “And I appreciate it.”

Twelve-year-old Jarred Martin will beshowing a beef steer, which he hasnamed Henry. He has been showinganimals since he was 2 years old, but heacquired his first steer when he was 4.

“I love it,” he says simply. “I feedhim twice a day, and I had to break himto a lead, but that wasn’t too hard withHenry. I want to be a vet or a farmerwhen I grow up, so this is good trainingfor my future.”

Livestock shows at fair very popular


Crockpotapple butter

16 cups apple pulp1 cup vinegar8 cups sugar4 teaspoons cinnamon

Core and slice applesbut do not peel. Use onlyenough water to cookapples until soft. Pressthrough food mill.

Measure and combineall ingredients. Cook untilmixture remains insmooth mass (crockpotshould be set on high).Stir frequently.

Pour into sterilizedjars. Process in hot-waterbath for 10 minutes.

Apple butter will be

lighter in color and thick-er than apple butter pur-chased in store.

– Jane Wright, 2008 foodchampion, Alexandria Fairand Horse Show

Dough forsweet rolls

1 cup milk1 teaspoon salt1/4 cup warm water1 egg1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup margarine1 package dry yeast4 cups flour

Scald milk. Stir insugar, salt and margarine;set aside to cool to luke-

warm.Put the 1/4 cup of

warm milk in large bowl;sprinkle in yeast and thenstir in the lukewarm mixof milk, sugar, salt andmargarine, along with theegg and half of the flour.

Mix in remainingflour and refrigerate forat least two hours. Willkeep in refrigerator aslong as three days.

Pinch off dough asneeded for rolls. Cookrolls on lightly greasedpan for 15 minutes at 425degrees.

-Audrey Thomas, 2008winner for bread, rolls andcoffee cake

Recipes Story on page 6

Talk about being in apickle: A few years ago,deer destroyed SusanCampbell’s garden thenight before theAlexandria Fair andHorse Show opened.

“It was awful – theyeven pawed through thesquash,” Campbell notes.

But as gardeners tendto do, Campbell learnedfrom the experience byexperimenting. She firedaway at the problem byplanting three habaneroplants at the end of eachrow and to this day, “thedeer don’t come in oncethey get to the hot pep-pers,” she says.

Making things grow istherapeutic for Campbell,a teacher who took homebetween 60 and 70 rib-bons at the 2008 fair.

Campbell and her sis-ter, Sandy Herrmann, areveteran gardeners andexhibitors, as were theirmother and their grand-parents. At the Campbellhouse, “what grows in the

garden goes on the table,”Campbell says. Thatmight mean anythingfrom green beans, cornand squash to strawber-ries and raspberries.

“Our family ran a truckfarm and dairy farmwhen I was a child - wesold bushels and bushelsof beans and tomatoes,”Campbell recalls. “Now,people don’t buy as muchproduce in large amountslike that because they’renot canning or freezinglike they were years ago.”

Linda Bowers, a fairdirector, oversees theexhibit hall action. In onesection of the hall, 4-Hcompetition, from com-puter art to weaving todecorated cakes, is dis-played. At the other end,open class entries includeflowers - potted plants,cut plants and collections- fruits and vegetablesand baked goods. Jumbosunflowers and pumpkinsto dwarf zinnias andmarigolds, the hall is a

treasure trove of sights,smells and tastes.

“It’s wonderful,”Bowers says.

Campbell is alwayshappy to see young peo-ple get involved in gar-dening. Her daughters,19-year-old Kimberly and10-year-old Jennifer, willhave entries in the 4-Hsection this year

What kind of mistakesdo novice gardenersmake?

“They start with toobig a garden and it’s over-whelming,” saysCampbell, who adds thatshe always does better inthe vegetable competition.

It’s important toremember, she adds, that“biggest doesn’t alwaysmean the best.” Thebiggest squash, for exam-ple, isn’t the most ideal toeat. On the other hand,big could mean a prizewhen it comes to a largetomato being judged forsize.

Making things grow is therapeutic

Call 578-5501 to advertise

in CreativeLiving.

Call 578-5501 to advertise

in CreativeLiving.



When people enter the fair-grounds for the Alexandria fair,they can visit the Crafters’ tentonce again this year. ShirleyCobb, an Associate Fair Boardmember, has been in charge oforganizing the crafters for “yearsand years.”

“We have a 40-by-60 foot tent,and the spaces are 10 footsquare,” says Cobb. “This yearwe have 12 confirmed people,but we are usually full by fairtime. Sometimes people rentmore than one space. Each spacerents for $60.”

Cobb carefully monitors thecrafts made by each crafter,because she doesn’t feel thatcommercial items should be in a

tent featured as homemadecrafts.

“We have had a lot of unusualthings,” she explained, “But Ithink the items should be trulysomething you have made –something you have put a part ofyourself into.”

She received some good newsthis year. A male crafter who hada booth for years and createdwonderful wooden toys anditems will be back this year aftera few years absence.

“He made what looked like anarmadillo in a cage,” Cobbenthuses. “It was very lifelike. Healso makes trains and cars, andpuzzles, and they are all reason-ably priced.”

She says there is a lady whomakes hair wraps, and though

people might not think there is amarket for the wraps, Cobb saysthis lady started making themand selling them at the fair whenshe was in high school, contin-ued while she went to college,and is still coming back. Thereare booths with ceramics, andneedlework, as well as fabric art,crocheted items, purses out ofplacemats, and one lady fromDry Ridge who makes things outof old jewelry.

Lorena Beckelhymer fromPeach Grove has been craftingsince an aunt taught her to cro-chet as a youngster growing upin Southgate. Now she adds allkinds of fabric crafts to her cro-cheted afghans.

“I’ve been showing my craftsat the Alexandria fair for about

seven years,” she says. “I doother fairs, but this fair is home –it brings back nice childhoodmemories. And the people are sonice. Even though I don’t see thepeople anywhere except there,it’s nice to visit. I sell a lot ofthings there, too, but my bestsellers are afghans and children’ssoft books.”

Crafter section a must-see “We have a lot ofunusual things.ButI think the itemsshould be trulysomething youhave made.”

Call 578-5501 to advertise inCreativeLiving.


Owen Prim has seen alot of changes over 30years as an extensionagent. One thing that’sthe same, he notes, is themagnitude of what beingpart of 4-H can mean for

young people and theirfamilies. The CampbellCounty extension agentfor 4-H youth develop-ment, Prim sees severalways 4-H can touch lives.

Local schools, forexample, “are very coop-erative,” Prim says, with

some schools bringingextension agents into theclassroom on projects thathelp students meet sci-ence requirements.

Volunteers, too, arevery important in theworld of 4-H, which cele-brates its 100th year inKentucky in 2009.

“There are all types ofdifferent roles in a club,ways people can helpout,” Prim says.

For young people whothrow themselves into 4-H projects, a busy worldawaits. Showing animals,for example, provides amajor dose of responsibil-ity training. Those ani-mals don’t just get up inthe ring and show them-selves. Each young per-son has to feed, brush,groom and train their ani-mal, Prim said, and thatrequires a certain level ofcaring and commitment.

“Families are verysupportive – some havehad someone showinganimals for several gener-

ations,” says Prim. “The responsibility

these young people cangain helps them laterwith life skills, in com-munication and in gettingalong with people.”

The Woodyards ofGrants Lick personify amulti-generational 4-Hfamily, with a strong levelof dedication to the 4-Horganization. ChrisWoodyard has beeninvolved with 4-H since1972, as a grade-schoolerwho went on to capturemany prizes showingAngus cattle. A DukeEnergy employee, he andhis family farm the 80acres left out of the farmWoodyard’s dad ownedfor many years.

When Chris and Kellymarried in 1986, they did-n’t plan a life on the farm.But in 1995, his oldestson, Casey – then 9 yearsold – asked about hisdad’s 4-H pictures, rib-bons and trophies.

“He wanted to show a

steer, so that first year hewas eligible, we boughthim one,” Chris said.“After he showed itmore, we decided to buyhim another one.”

In the years that fol-lowed, farm life wouldbeckon to the family.Casey, now 22, plus 17-year-old Jake and 15-year-old Kayla, have allraised their own steers,and the family, in addi-tion to the 80 acres, alsorents another 200 acres.

Each child might makebetween $3,000 and$4,000 per year on thecattle they raise and sell,“depending on how wellthey do at the state fair,”Chris says.

“I am proud of them.They’re just like otherkids in some ways, butthey’ve gotten someresponsibility and theyhave good heads on theirshoulders,” he says.


Fairs and 4-H pass down through the generations


Why did the chickencross the finish line firstat the chicken rodeo?

Because a child wasstanding there, success-fully shooing the fast-moving fowl from pointA to point B, of course –and besides, why not?

The chicken rodeo atthe Alexandria Fair andHorse show, it turns out,is an annual banty battleroyale, with crowdappeal to spare.

Junior McCormickstarts training the chick-ens as early as June, saysDoug Carmack, fair presi-dent.

“You will not believethe chicken rodeo if youhaven’t seen it,” Carmacksays.

“And you wouldn’tbelieve how much peoplelike it – it starts at 10 a.m.on Monday and they’relined up waiting. Wecan’t even get all of theminto the contest.”

Each chicken rodeo,held in the show ring, islimited to 20 entries inage groups: 9 to 10; 6 to 8;and 3 to 5. Every team oftwo pays just $1 per childto enter the contest, spon-sored by National CityBank.

This year’s cluckwor-thy competition, which

offers a $20 prize for eachwinner, begins at 10 a.m.Sept. 7.

The chicken contest isfollowed by anothercrowd-pleaser – thegreased pig contest. It hasa $2 entry fee and a $20prize for each winner.

Age groups for thegreased pig contest are: 6and younger; 7 to 10; and11 to 13. Every child willbe racing to be the first tocatch their slippery swine.

Both contests, saysCarmack, draw apprecia-tive audiences.

“We really try to makethis a fun day for every-one – it appeals to allages,” he says.

It’s off to the races … with chickens, pigs


Sunday, Aug. 23, 20091- 3 p.m. Registration in the dining hall

for all fair pageants (CampbellCounty residents only)

Thursday, Aug. 27, 20097-8 p.m. Registration in the dining hall

for all fair pageants (CampbellCounty residents only)

Wednesday Sept. 2, 20091-6 p.m. Entries accepted in Exhibit Hall5:45 p.m. Alexandria Fair Parade

Thursday, Sept. 3, 20097 p.m. Little Miss & Mr. Alexandria Fair,

Entertainment Stage7 p.m. Miss Teen Alexandria Fair

Pageant, Show Ring8:30 p.m. Miss Alexandria Fair Pageant,

Show Ring

Friday, Sept. 4, 20096 p.m. 4H/FFA Cattle Show, Livestock

Barn6:30 p.m. Hat Contest, Show Ring7 p.m. Cattle Show - Open classes fea-

turing classes for Angus, Simmental,Polled Hereford, Gelbvieh, Chianina,Commercial and any other breeds,Livestock Barn

7 p.m. Karaoke, Entertainment Stage7 p.m. Stick Horse, Show Ring7:25 p.m. Flag Rasing by VFW Post 3205,

Show Ring7:30 p.m. Horse Show, Show Ring

Saturday, Sept. 5, 20099 a.m. 4H/FFA Hog Show, Livestock

BarnNoon Baby Pageant, Entertainment StageNoon 4H/FFA Sheep Show, Livestock

Barn1 p.m. Sheep Show - Open Classes fea-

turing Dorset, Suffork, Hampshire,and other breeds, Livestock Barn

1 p.m. Minature Horse Halter Classesand South Central HackneyAssociation Futurity Class, ShowRing

3:30 p.m. Cutie Pie Pageant, immediate-ly following the Baby Contest

5 p.m. Tian Academy of Asian MartialArts, Entertainment Stage

7 p.m. Karaoke, Entertainment Stage7:30 p.m. Horse Show including Hitch

Classes and South Central Hackney

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009All day Red Hat Ladies day at the FairNoon Horse Show, including color and

open Western Classes, Show Ring1:30 p.m. Alexandria Fair Princess

Pageant, Entertainment Stage2:30 p.m. Alexandria Fair Pre Teen

Pageant, Entertainment Stage3:30 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest, Show

Ring5 p.m. Red Hat Ladies Photo, Show Ring5:30 p.m. 4H and Exhibit Hall Award

Presentation, Livestock Barn7:30 p.m. Horse Show, Show Ring

Monday, Sept. 7, 200910 a.m. Chicken Rodeo and Greased Pig

Contest, Show Ring11 a.m. Dairy Goat Show, featuring

Open and 4-H Classes for Alpine,LaMancha, Toggenburg, Nubain andother breeds, Livestock Barn

Noon Pedal Tractor Pull, EntertainmentStage

1:30 p.m. Just for Fun Dog Show,Entertainment Stage

5 p.m. Clogging Entertainment Stage7 p.m. Championship Horse Show,

Show Ring

Schedule of events

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