Jack Meiser — dressed as a eagle with his sheep in patriotic garb — during the Costume class at the Big Butler Fair on Wednesday. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

An article in the Friday edition of the Butler Eagle highlighted a fun and whimsical contest held each year at the Big Butler Fair among youths and their animals in the livestock barns that is meant to allow the kiddos to blow off some steam during 10 days of showing their best beasts for blue, yellow and red ribbons.

The costume contest saw sheep, goats, alpacas, horses and other furry and feathered competitors don crazy outfits and parade before a panel of judges comprised of the Butler Fair Court.

The young people in charge of the costumed contestants, who are to be commended for their dedication to their animals, are very likely unaware of the important life lessons they are learning during the fair.

Most are members of a 4-H club, where they learn about their animals while taking in lessons on life.

Winning a blue ribbon inside a show ring allows kids to experience the triumph that comes with hard work paying off, but also compassion when a friend in that ring — who probably put in just as much work — does not receive a ribbon or even a mention.

Those who do pile up the ribbons and accolades learn to share the secrets of their success with younger peers just entering 4-H as well as their friends who are not always beaming at the end of the show.

Overseeing the care of an animal during the fair gives children a sense of responsibility as they feed, water, groom and exercise their charges.

The kids in the barns also help each other prepare their animals for a show, throw hay, feed or water into a stall, shovel manure or tack up a pony for the next class.

Because those who attend the fair enjoy viewing the animals, the youngsters in the barns learn to politely deal with the public as they are asked questions about their horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep or chickens and the care they require.

The parents of these young people also are to be commended, as many spend the entire 10 days at the fair in a camper.

Trying to provide meals and clean clothing, help with animals, maintain a feed or hay supply, all while keeping an eye on their kids and ensuring they get enough sleep, is no doubt a daunting task for parents.

The Butler Eagle salutes every young person who displayed their animal or animals at the Big Butler Fair last week, and their parents, whether they took home ribbons or not.

The future of Butler County is bright as long as these responsible and hardworking young people are in our midst.

— PJG