By Crystal Hayduk, photos by Megan Hayduk
Three goat handlers in the youngest class, the Cloverbuds, showed their goats and shared their knowledge with judge Dawn Reha at the Chelsea Community Fair on Aug. 25.
According to Sue Rodgers, one of the goat department superintendents, the total number of animals at the fair this year is much lower than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People make these decisions earlier in the year, but with the uncertainty about whether the fair would be canceled, a lot of families opted out,” she said.
Prior to the goat show, Reha, a Shiawassee resident with 25 years of experience raising goats, said she was happy to be invited to serve as judge—her fourth time at the Chelsea Community Fair.
“These three dedicated children and their goats are as important as any large group,” she said. “They are our future.”
Reha welcomed the audience of family and friends, commending their support. “This is the perfect age to get children excited about raising goats,” she said. “My grandchildren are five and seven and showing goats for the first time this year, too. It takes bravery to come into the ring.”
Following the regular show, the Cloverbuds and their goats returned to the ring for the special Costume Class. Seeing cute goats all dressed up improved everyone’s daily happiness quota as evidenced by the smiles, laughter, and camera clicks.
Seven-year-old Tyler Brooks, who showed his mini-Alpine goat named Tender, was enthusiastic about his experience. “This is the best day of my life,” he said.
Rodgers said she hopes others will be inspired to bring their goats to the fair next year.
The Nigerian Dwarf goats on display this week in the Nature’s Creation of Life barn are available for purchase and would be eligible to show at the 2022 fair.
Placements
Showmanship: Tyler Brooks (7), son of Jason and Mary Brooks, placed first with his mini-Alpine goat, Tender; Madison Brooks (5), daughter of Jason and Mary Brooks, took second place with her mini-Alpine goat, Oreo; Bryce Bigford (4), son of Kristin and Tyler Bigford, took third place with his Nigerian Dwarf goat, Santa Claus.
Dry Doe: Bryce Bigford, first place; Madison Brooks, second place.
Wether pet: Tyler Brooks
Overall Champion: Bryce Bigford
Costume Class: All received a special ribbon for participating. Bryce Bigford dressed as Woody with Santa Claus dressed as Bo Peep, both from the Pixar movie “Toy Story”; Madison Brooks with Oreo dressed as a fairy; Tyler Brooks with Tender dressed as Marvel’s The Hulk.
