Mike Wolanin | The Republic Sam Harden takes part in the Lil’ Wranglers Swine Show during the Bartholomew County Fair at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ind., Monday, June 26, 2023.
Some of the littlest exhibitors showed some really large pigs during Monday’s Swine Lil’ Wrangler competition at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair.
The youngsters were the preview in the 4-H Pavilion for the annual Swine and Gilt show that followed. More competition gets underway this morning with the 4-H Barrow Show and showmanship at 10 a.m.
Plenty of smiles could be seen as the young kids came out in the Lil’ Wranglers competition. Any child entering kindergarten, first, second or third grade this fall is eligible to participate as a Lil’ Wrangler, which is intended to give young future 4-Hers exhibiting experience.
While having an older helper was optional during Saturday’s Lil’ Wrangler pygmy goat show, every young child had an adult standing by for the swine event in case one of the animals began acting up. Luckily, they were never needed.
In the competition that followed, Alivia Jordan, 16, had three champions for three different gilt classes.
“I’m exhausted, but I feel great because I put a lot of hard work into my projects,” the Columbus East High School student said. “We walk our pigs every day for at least 15 minutes. There’s also cleaning out the stalls, feeding twice a day and providing fresh water.”
With a total of 12 pigs on her family’s farm, Jordan estimates she spends up to two hours each day tending to the needs of the animals placed in her charge.
If there was an award for luck Monday, it might have gone to six-year 4-H competitor Jacob Huffman. While in the arena, his Poland Gilt was well-behaved and the 14-year-old Huffman saw his pig become division champion.
Huffman, who will attend his first year at Columbus East High School this fall, said he’s not sure how much time he puts in with his pigs.
“But it’s a lot of work, and I do know there’s a lot of scooping poop out of the pen,” he said with both a chuckle and a grimace.
One of the most bittersweet moments for 4-H supporters is watching kids compete in 4-H for the final time.
An example is Grace Burbrink, 18, who just graduated from Columbus East High School and will begin classes at Purdue University this fall.
“It is definitely sad to say goodbye to 4-H, but I am excited to be coming home and helping my siblings behind the scenes,” Burbrink said.
On Monday, Burbrink competed against sister Ellie and brother Jacob in the Duroc Gilt division.
But there isn’t much sibling rivalry. Instead, Grace and Ellie, 13, revealed they work together as a team and often don’t decide which animals they will show individually until they arrive at the fair.
Today at the fair
Bartholomew County REMC Day
8:30–9:30 a.m.: 4-H Market Lamb weigh-in – Livestock Barn
10 a.m.: 4-H Barrow Show and Showmanship – Pavilion
5–10 p.m.: Lil’ Hands on the Farm, 4-H Community Building, Family Arts and Commercial Buildings open
5 p.m.: Community Day at the Midway – Canned Goods Night – $5 off with canned good, $30 wristbands
6 p.m.: 4-H Best Dressed Rabbit & Rabbit Races – Gathering Pavilion
6-8 p.m.: Flower Arrangement Demo – Extension Homemakers’ Fair Week Activity – Family Arts Building
6 p.m.: Chordlighters – David Boll Theatre
6:30 p.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Master Horseman Contest
7 p.m.: 4-H Blacksmithing Continuous Demonstrations throughout evening – Building 6
7 p.m.: Frog Jumping Contest – Farm Bureau Building, registration at 6:30 p.m.
7 p.m.: All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets – Tony Stewart Foundation Race – Grandstand
