Run Away, The Fair is in town!

The Evergreen Fair starts tomorrow. It is a blessing and a curse for Monroe. There are those who do indeed run away on vacation this week every year to avoid the hassle and traffic. There are those, a majority of the locals, who embrace the Fair because of the economic boost it brings to the city and because they are involved in the event. And then there are those of us who complain a lot but don't leave, in fact we go at least for a day and eat sauteed onions, deep-fried snickers bars, elephant ears and (my favorite) scones with strawberry jam. We have a HUGE farming community in our area that come from the Snoqualmie, Skykomish and Snohomish valleys to converge on grounds this time every year for displays and competitions. There are many such stickers in the area.It is quite the event and there is a ton of stuff to see and do. Jonathan has taken on the task of showing "his" calf Peanut this year for the second year in a row. Last year was his first experience with 4-H showing, it went well and was a great experience. We are affiliated with the Bicycle Tree 4-H out of Snohomish. It is the same club the boys are involved with when they give the tours at the Wallace River Salmon Hatchery in the fall. It is a great group of caring folks. Preparations for showing Peanut began a few months ago when Jon began practicing leading Peanut out in the fields at the farm. Now they are buddies and very comfortable with each other.He has been improving bit by bit, and Peanut is responding well to him. They spend a lot of time together and it shows. Here he is with brother having his calf inspected by the official vet. prior to being allowed to enter the barn.He has even been doing his studies of cows to know all the body parts, a few breeds, and a ton of general knowledge. Preparations for showing and for general display to the public include decorating the barn, washing and grooming the animals, and finally bringing them in to rest on the fresh pine wood chips. Jonathan will also compete in a "Start to Finish" tomorrow where he will be paired up with and older 4-H member and they will take a calf and prepare the animal for showing from start to finish in just a couple hours. He will be showing his beast on Saturday. Tony