Goats at the Butler Farm Show dress to impress
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — The Butler Farm Show aims to put on its best display, and the animals are no exception.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, 4-H members and their goats donned homemade costumes and paraded around the Butler Farm Show Dairy Pavilion for a captivated, excited audience.
“It was fabulous. The kids were very creative, fantastic representations of the theme,” judge Angela Murrman said.
The 4-H contestants competed for first prize in separate age categories with their interpretation of this year’s theme: U.S.A. Red, White, and Blue.
“I like how the kids can come here and show off the costumes they’ve spent a lot of time on ... we’re a community,” superintendent Tina Bryner said.
One team dressed up as Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. Another dressed up as George Washington and a little drummer boy.
The farm show has been hosting this event for a while, and it’s going quite well, Bryner said.
After an intermission, the 4-H contestants and their goats competed in an obstacle course.
“It’s nice to watch (my) great-granddaughters participate, and it’s good for them,” spectator Bev Wesley of Summit Township said.
Participants competed oldest to youngest, with the 16 to 21 age group starting the contest strong. The competition ended with the group of 8- and 9-year-olds.
“My whole life has been surrounded by 4-H,” competitor Cheyenne Henry said. “It’s a lot of fun. Farm Show’s finally the week everyone can show off their hard work.”
The winner in each age group went on to compete for the chance to be named the grand champion.
“The farm show is a community effort ... we promote our community, agriculture, local businesses, but most of all our youth program,” Bryner said.
After the grand champion was named and a brief intermission was held, the celebrity goat obstacle course was underway, with state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, and Jordan Grady, executive director of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, facing off against each other. Bernstine took home the win.
