It’s a trip I tell ya. Not out to a small family farm in Ravenna….it’s a trip to see some of the kids you’ve known since they were about 3-4 years old that used to hide behind there mom’s coat at a Muskegon Lumberjacks game looking more like grown-up’s, starting high school and learning that there’s much more to their lives than just being fun to play with at hockey games. That’s how I came to know Abi MCDonald. She was just a thief of hearts as a pip squeak picking up pucks. Today…she’s going to be a freshman at Ravenna and next week, it’s time to show off her sheep! The Muskegon County Youth Fair is coming up July 20th-25th at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds. Let’s catch up with Abi.
We walked out past Abi’s dad’s ORV repair shop. Which was a “barn find” in and of it’s own, because who doesn’t need a guy who can work on all of that stuff like quads, bikes, side by sides, lawn tractors and more that isn’t going to break the bank and I said, “Abi! You didn’t listen to me. I told you that growing up was a sucker trap!” Smiling, she said. “Ya, I tried carrying around bricks and everything, I just couldn’t stop it.” Like any young and determined leader like County Fair life brings, she was ready to get to the point, get things done and prepared for anything. Way better prepared than me, she wore jeans. I did not. You’ll see in the video as to the importance of this tid bit. On to the sheep.
At a Michigan county fair, sheep are judged in three primary categories: Market Classes, Breeding Classes, and Showmanship. Market Lambs: Judges evaluate muscling (especially in the loin and hind leg), trimness (ideal fat-to-muscle ratio without being overly fat), cutability (amount of usable retail meat), and structural soundness (skeletal correctness). Breeding Ewes & Rams: The focus is on traits essential for breeding. Judges look at balance, volume/capacity (rib shape and depth), structural correctness on their feet and legs, and overall breed character. Showmanship: This evaluates the exhibitor, not the sheep. Judges grade the exhibitor on their handling skills, how effectively they position the sheep to highlight its best features, eye contact with the judge, and general animal and exhibitor cleanliness.
Google gave us a hand with the category descriptions and Abi adds in that under showmanship, things have changed. You need to be stone faced and sincere. No judges are going to accept big smiles and eyebrow signals as influencers. Abi also adds in that in fact….there are some real heart strings attached to the auction. Saying goodbye to her animals isn’t as easy as it is for some. (I always knew she had a heart of pure gold, even as a little tyke).
The Muskegon County Youth Fair gets underway on July 20th. All of the listings for feature Grandstand entertainment and auction times are online. CLICK HERE to visit the County Fair’s website or on the image below. You can also see a calendar of events below! We’ll see you at the Fair!
