JEFFERSON - - Nary a raindrop splashed on the Ashtabula County midway Sunday as the final fair day ended in hot, humid sunshine.
The 2007 fair was plagued with heat and heavy rain throughout the week. The downpours caused many show cancellations as animal barns flooded and deep mud made horse shows treacherous. Participants and spectators ran for cover as thunder crashed and lightning flashed. Fair officials also canceled the bicycle decorating contest, bicycle races and frog-jumping contest.
But rain and wind couldn't damped the 4-H spirit at the fair.
"Well, the rain and heat were certainly obstacles, but this was a very nice fair. Everyone pitched in and helped each other out to make this a successful, positive experience for the children," said David Marrison, Ohio State University Extension educator.
Christopher Hass, 10, showed his hog, Fat Ham Jr., and said the fair is a tough job for any kid - - and pig.
"Getting Fat Ham Jr. ready for the fair was a lot of work. Pigs are dirty and you have to get them really clean for the fair," he said.
2007 4-H super showman Becky Betteridge, 17, took top honors for her skills as an animal showman. This Happy Hopper 4-H'er has been working with animals for years and also took the Grand Champion in the miniature horse competition. She also showed a dairy goat and hog.
Betteridge said the water and rain was difficult for her club, especially when it came to keeping the animals in clean showing condition.
Though the 2007 fair was muddy, all fairs have obstacles, Marrison said.
"It wouldn't be the fair without some trials and tribulations," Marrison said. "But the market animal sale was wonderful and the kids were focused on their participation and performance no matter how much it rained," he said.
Many of the postponed horse shows were rescheduled and the pig show, which was postponed because of the sweltering heat, was also held, Marrison said.
"The fair is a lot of work. We have a lot of excellent volunteers who pitch in and make the junior fair a success. They are so appreciated," he said.
"Remember, only 51 weeks until the next fair," Marrison said.
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