Summer Trek to the Bi-County Fair: Part 4
You Can Lead a Steer to Water By Kathy Polich and Trystin Chavez Photo Credits: RAH Photography
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October 2019
Kathy: The 50th Annual Bi-County Fair drew to an end on Labor Day. If you have ever attended one, you know it can turn into a muddy mess. Even during the most severe drought years, the sky at Prewitt can turn black and deliver a soaking. Not this year, the weather was perfect! The larger than usual crowds strolled through the exhibits and sipped their lemonade without getting their boots soaked. The alumni dinner had a great turn out and may become an annual event. If you were unable to join us, please do so next year! As a child, my favorite time of year was “Bi-County.” I loved showing my animals and participating in the rodeos. As a mom, it’s still very special to me. Watching my sons build relationships that will last their whole lives is comforting. I have seen them grow from rowdy little boys into young men, and much of that has been because of their love for “Bi-County.” The blood, sweat, and tears that come along our trek to the fair each year are worth it. This year was very bittersweet. It may just be the last fair my kids show animals. Rowdy is a senior in high school and may decide he doesn’t have the extra hours to devote to the barn each week. Blaise loves the fair, but would rather spend the summer months in a gym or on the baseball diamond. It’s a lot of work, but I hope it’s not the end. This road to the fair was a bit different from the years before. When the boys were younger, I had to be at the barn almost the entire time they were. Through the years, they have learned to do most of it on their own. I am so proud of Trystin (Rowdy). He did 95% of the work on his steer and goat projects himself. He hauled feed, mucked stalls, and did all the grooming. He also transported them up the road each month to weigh them so he could calculate the changes in his feeding regiment. On occasion, he would run off to a fishing hole early in the morning, and I would feed the critters. I didn’t mind; I still like being at the barn! If you would like to become involved in 4-H or the Bi-County fair, please contact the McKinley County Extension Office.
