County fair is big event for Sisters families

Deschutes County Fair is a busy week for many Sisters families. For some, it's the big week of the year.

Jodi Ford is the leader of Hog Wash, a 4-H swine club with members scattered over a wide area.

"We have members in Sisters, Tumalo, Redmond and Crooked River Ranch," she said. "This is definitely the highlight of our year." The long established club uses pigs to teach young people discipline, responsibility and animal care.

Ford was particularly pleased with the swine judge this year, a producer based in Colorado.

"He was here to educate us," she said.

Cloverdale Livestock Club members made a strong presence in the sheep barn, with 26 of the 27 members based there. William Cyrus represented the club in the beef barn with a steer.

First-year rabbit club, Wascally Wabbits, is based in Sisters. The eight members, aged 8-14, all came home with blue ribbons and the experience of meeting fellow 4-Hers from all over Central Oregon. Flynn Slicker, 8, is a 4-H Adventurer (she's not old enough to compete officially but participates in all club activities). Her fair highlight was participating in the showmanship classes and having people take pictures of her lionhead rabbit.

Jan Gould is the leader of Happy Hounds, a 4-H dog club. The dog show is held on the Tuesday before the fair officially opens. Happy Hounds members all advanced in the obedience section.

"Next year they'll all be in the advanced section of Rally Obedience and have to compete off-leash," said Gould.

One of the Happy Hounds members, Anna Peasley, competing with a 5-month-old mini-Australian Shepherd, advanced to the championship round of intermediate showmanship. Cooper Gould won intermediate novice obedience champion, an off-lead class.

The 4-H exhibit hall held examples of projects ranging from sewing to woodwork to cooking. Cammie Benson, a Sisters fifth grader, won a championship ribbon for her Intarsia wood project, and a blue ribbon for a whimsical felted purse.

Persevering through the heat and crowds, fairgoers and exhibitors once again showed that the county fair is a beloved and well supported tradition.

To join or start a Sisters-based 4-H club, contact Oregon State University Extension Service, 541-548-6088 or visit http://www.extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/4-h.