McBride Family Adventures at the Malheur County Fair

This year was our first experience as exhibitors at the Malheur County Fair. It was a very long but fun week for our family. The local county fair is a five day event held in Ontario, Oregon each year. Matthew was eligible for 4-H, so he raised a black Angus steer named Hank. He worked extremely hard and spent many hours with Hank to make him gentle. He was a dream steer for a first year 4-H exhibitor. Peter did not take a steer; instead, he entered multiple exhibits in the open class categories. He entered a jar of his freezer jam, sewed a pillowcase, made cookies, and entered two of his Lego creations.

Because Matthew had to be at the fair early each morning and late each night to take care of Hank, attend 4-H meetings, clean the barn, etc., Toby, Matthew, and Peter stayed at Dan and Mom's house in Ontario for the week. We were so lucky that they opened up their home because it was so nice for the boys to be able to shower, relax in an air conditioned home (the temperature was 100 degrees all week), and sleep in a comfortable bed. Due to the fact that it was so hot, William, Joseph, and I only attended the fair while Matthew was showing and went home each day.

Matthew had the opportunity to show Hank three times during the fair. He showed in the Malheur County Cattleman's Association Market Steer competition, Malheur County Fair Market Steer competition, and Showmanship. Matthew also entered his 4-H record book for judging. Overall, Matthew earned four blue ribbons during the week!

Peter was extremely successful at the fair. His Cloverbud Record Book earned a blue ribbon. In addition, he earned a blue ribbon for his freezer jam and pillowcase. His cookies and one of the Lego sets earned red ribbons, while his other Lego creation earned a white ribbon. He was very pleased and cannot wait to enter more exhibits next year!

On Saturday morning, Matthew sold Hank in the Malheur County Fat Stock Sale. It was so amazing to watch the sale because it reminded me of how lucky we are to live in this area. There are so many individuals and business that support the Fat Stock Sale and the 4-H clubs. Matthew's sale was extra special because Hank was purchased by the Warner and Mary Kay Maag Family, Jamieson Produce, and Y-1 Farms. After purchasing Hank, they donated the meat to Pioneer Nursing Home for the residents. It was such an amazing act of kindness by the Maag family!

Despite the fact that it was a long, hot, and exhausting week, our first fair experience was amazing, and we cannot wait until next year!

The boys on Saturday morning. They are exhausted at this point!