To some, the county fair may seem like just fun and games. Kids riding carnival rides, running around eating funnel cakes and people watching the demolition derby. But there is more to the fair than just those things. The fair is also a place for students to show off all the hard work that goes into their 4-H or FFA projects.

“The county fair is basically a display of everyone’s hard work and talents that they’ve put together over the past year. Some people call it the spirit of the summer,” Harvey County 4-H agent Hannah Anderson said.

Participants can exhibit a wide variety of things in the fair, from livestock, to food or even clothing. For students balancing multiple exhibits, it takes focus and practice to prepare.

“You just need to take time to do each thing you’re exhibiting, regularly. Since I’m exhibiting swine, cattle and baked goods, I have to walk steers, and get my hogs used to me and bake everyday,” freshman Aneka Senn said.

After working all summer to get ready, it comes down to competition time. Sophomore Kaitlyn Black exhibited swine on Friday, Aug. 5, and was chosen for something she never would have expected.

“After being picked for finals in pig showmanship, I was so excited. I was competing against some really great showmen and I’m very thankful that was chosen to go into the finals,” Black said.

For another student, his work ethic and dedication, was proven exceptional, as his heifer was chosen as the reserve champion market calf.

“I was very surprised when I won. I was so surprised that a heifer that small, could win,” junior Jacob Harder said.

Students receiving reserve or grand champion in non-animal competition are eligible for state fair competition.