4-Hers maintain control of their animals during small animal auction at the Ionia Free Fair – Greenville Daily News

The Ionia Free Fair is a beloved annual event in Michigan that brings together people from all over the state to celebrate agriculture, community, and fun. One of the highlights of the fair is the small animal auction, where 4-Hers showcase their hard work and dedication in raising and training animals for competition. This year, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, young participants showed resilience and determination as they kept their animals in line during the auction.

The small animal auction at the Ionia Free Fair is a culmination of months of hard work and preparation for 4-Hers. These young participants, ranging in age from 5 to 19, spend countless hours caring for and training their animals, whether it be rabbits, chickens, ducks, or goats. The auction provides them with an opportunity to showcase their animals to potential buyers and earn recognition for their efforts.

During the auction, 4-Hers demonstrate their skills in handling and presenting their animals to the crowd. They must keep their animals calm and well-behaved, showcasing the bond and trust they have developed through their time together. This requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of animal behavior, all of which are essential qualities for successful animal husbandry.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, 4-Hers at the Ionia Free Fair showed remarkable adaptability and resilience. With restrictions in place to ensure the safety of participants and attendees, including social distancing and mask-wearing, young participants rose to the occasion and embraced the changes with grace and maturity. Their commitment to their animals and the fair was unwavering, demonstrating the true spirit of 4-H and the agricultural community.

The small animal auction at the Ionia Free Fair is not just a showcase of animals, but also a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and passion of young participants. It is a testament to the values of responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance that 4-H instills in its members. Through their participation in the auction, 4-Hers learn valuable life skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving, which will serve them well in their future endeavors.

In conclusion, the small animal auction at the Ionia Free Fair is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and passion of 4-Hers in Michigan. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, young participants showed remarkable adaptability and determination as they kept their animals in line during the auction. Their hard work and commitment to their animals are a true reflection of the values of 4-H and the agricultural community. The small animal auction is not just a competition, but a celebration of the bond between humans and animals, and the lessons learned through hard work and perseverance.