Girl's rabbit nabs top prize
CONNOQUENESSING — A young borough girl bested the competition Jan. 8 at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show in Harrisburg with her mini lop rabbit, Buster.
Alyssa Dreucci, 12, who attends Butler Intermediate School, said she had event as the state farm show, which she attended with a subgroup of her 4-H organization, the Butler Bunni Bunch.
Buster, who has a solid brown coat and barely meets the 6.5 pound weight maximum, won Best in Breed and Best in Variety, which led to his winning Best in Show.
“He has all the qualities that a mini lop should have,” said Kelly Hoffman, Alyssa’s mother.
Alyssa said Buster’s features really seem to stick out and appeal to the judge. Rabbits are judged on body proportions, color and general condition.
“The (person) that judged him really liked him,” Alyssa said.
She said the competition kept her focused through a tense atmosphere.
“It was the first time I’ve ever been to something as huge as that,” she said.
“I think we walked every single inch at least twice.”
The show took place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, which has more than 1 million square feet. Alyssa said the atmosphere intimidated her, but only a little.
“It was pretty overwhelming,” Alyssa said. “I don’t really like big crowds, but it was less stressful than I expected.”
She said Buster’s win has given her confidence in his bloodline, and she would like to breed a second generation from Buster and win with them as well.
She said she plans to attend the Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeder’s Association competition in February, but before that she needs to pamper Buster to let him get his energy back.
“He’s been pretty slow,” Alyssa said. “I’m pretty sure he’s tuckered out from the week (at the farm show.)”
