Orange County Fair Shines Despite Rain By: Kaci Daniels, Orange County Extension Office; Photos via Orange County Extension Office
After a very dry spring, the rainy last week of June was welcome relief in the area, even if it was during the annual Orange County Fair. More than seven inches of rain fell at the Old Gordonsville Road location, but that didn ’ t stop 118 4 - H youth from showing 151 animals. Blue ribbons were awarded and grand champions chosen for beef and dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, meat and dairy goats, poultry, and rabbits. 4 - H Cloverbuds (ages 5 - 8) showed Saturday morning of the fair and were interviewed on the microphone about their projects, demonstrating their animal knowledge and public speaking skills. The 4 - H auction Saturday evening grossed over $184,000 with tremendous support from local businesses and individuals for 4 - H youth who usually use the funds to build their herds and save for higher education. More than 150 volunteers contributed over 700 hours of service during the fair!
Above: Alex Herndon exhibits his Holstein heifer, named Grand Champion of the dairy show on Thursday. Below: Junior 4 - H member Deizel Hitt serves as assistant to Cloverbud Graham Hughes during Saturday's Bottle Babies show.
Above: Ava Lee proudly displays her lamb that was just named Grand Champion by judge Ellie Vincent. Below: Cousins Sam Herndon and Allie Haberland work together in the Chicken & Rabbit Parade.
Page 25 | July 2023
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