There were rides, cotton candy, games and families everywhere. It definitely had all the signs of the North Carolina State Fair. For some lucky 4-H members it, was much more, it was the pinnacle of animal science competitions.
Benjamin Herndon travelled to the state fair with his parents, lambs, goats, and turkey. This is not Benjamin's first time at the state fair but it is his first time showing turkey's. According to the state rules the turkey's much weigh at least 20 pounds to compete (not an easy task when you get your turkey in August). 
Wellington, Benjamin's turkey, weighed in at 44 pounds. Not exactly light when you think about it. Especially when you have to get your bird out of a cage, carry it upside down to the waiting area, wait with it (mind you Wellington waited quite patiently with his feet on the ground and did not waddle anywhere) then carry it in and keep it from flapping away while you sit on a hay bale. Benjamin was in heat 5 of the competition and out of 15 other competitors came in third in his heat. That is an incredible accomplishment especially for someone who has not raised turkey's before.
Wellington, Benjamin's turkey, weighed in at 44 pounds. Not exactly light when you think about it. Especially when you have to get your bird out of a cage, carry it upside down to the waiting area, wait with it (mind you Wellington waited quite patiently with his feet on the ground and did not waddle anywhere) then carry it in and keep it from flapping away while you sit on a hay bale. Benjamin was in heat 5 of the competition and out of 15 other competitors came in third in his heat. That is an incredible accomplishment especially for someone who has not raised turkey's before.
While the turkey show was going on, so was the goat show. Unfortunately Benjamin was in heat 8 of the goat show which happened at the same time he was showing his turkey. Thanks to Angela Shaver, the Cumberland County 4-H Agent, Benjamin's goat still made it in the ring. Sarah Maske was kind enough to show Benjamin's goat for him. Although his goat didn't place as high as his turkey, Benjamin was reminded what a wonderful group of 4-H members there are showing. In other organizations people would not step up and help out, but 4-H is different. Our youth step up and help each other everyday, that is one of the things that makes this organization stand out from the others.
Also competing in the goat show was Santiago Acuna-Robinson. He placed second and fourth with two of his goats. That qualified him to compete in the champion drive. Although he did not take home grand or reserve this year, watch out because he is one of the most improved showers this year and may come home with the state honors sooner rather than later.
Congratulations to all our 4-H members who competed on the state level. Job well Done!
Congratulations to all our 4-H members who competed on the state level. Job well Done!
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