Story and photos by Lisa Carolin
Grace Willis has spent half her life showing rabbits. That’s a total of seven years that the 14-year-old has been bringing her best bunnies to the Chelsea Community Fair.
This year Willis brought 12-week-old Ellie, a Mini Rex.
“She’s little, sweet and easy to work with,” said Willis.
Samantha Bellairs raises Silver Fox rabbits.
“Snowblind just popped out last year, and it’s unusual to have one survive,” said Bellairs, referring to the fact that Snowblind is an albino rabbit.
Klara Kuebler was happy to have her Polish rabbit Dmitri to show.
“My other rabbit lay down and took a rally long nap,” she said, explaining why she’d brought Dmitri.
Sisters Bailey and Madison Welshans have more than a dozen rabbits.They were showing Kate, a California rabbit, and Fawn, a Havana.
“They judge showmanship first then the different breeds,” said Doug Welshans, Madison and Bailey’s dad, who started the family’s rabbit habit.
According to Cathie Mason, rabbit superintendent, there are 48 breeds of rabbits.
“There are 32 breeds here at the Chelsea Fair, which is really good for a small fair,” said Mason.
Winners’ names will be posted Tuesday evening on the pole inside the building where the rabbits are housed.
