Summer Trek to the Bi-County Fair: Part 4

Summer Trek to the Bi-County Fair: Part 4 You Can Lead a Steer to Water

kathy

By Kathy Polich and Trystin Chavez Photo Credits: RAH Photography

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.

Trystin:

I can’t believe the fair is already over. Overall, I had a pretty successful time. My goats placed 2nd and 3rd in the lightweight class. My heavyweight goat won his class and went on to be the Reserve Grand Champion. My brother got Grand Champion Meat Pen, with the chickens I helped him raise. I’m not going to lie; I did have a little heartbreak. My steer placed at the bottom of his class. I was in total shock. I was so confident during the summer that he was going to do well.

About a week before the fair, my steer stopped eating. I tried everything to get Cimmaron to eat. By the time we got to the show, he didn’t even want to drink. I gave him Gatorade and other electrolytes. I would fill up a big bucket of cold water and take him under a big shade tree. I know this isn’t exactly what the saying is, but it still rings true. YOU CAN LEAD A STEER TO WATER, BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE HIM DRINK!! Show day, he was drawn in and did not look as good as he had the weeks before. I did the best I could in the ring, but he didn’t make the cut! It sure is tough to put that much work into something and not hit the payday!

I have a few weeks to decide if I’m going to do it again next year. I love the thought of the fair, but I’m super busy. I play baseball and have a part-time job. My fishing and hunting addiction also keeps me busy. Well, who am I kidding? I’ll be back at it. I’m still chasing a gold buckle!