MANSFIELD – The Richland County Fair overflowed with excitement Thursday night as youngsters all over the area auctioned off their rabbits, ducks and turkeys at the show arena.
For 10-year-old Mallorie Clark, this year at the Junior Fair Livestock Show marked something special. Her first time showing animals at the fair, included a third-place showing in her class.
“It feels really nice for a first time,” Clark said.
She then sold her rabbits for $650 to the Shelby FFA Alumni Buyers Club.
When reflecting on her experience, Clark said it has been really good and that she has loved every moment.
Although this was her first year showing her own rabbits, the fair life runs deep in her blood. Her grandmother and mother both showed livestock when they were young, passing down skills, advice and a shared love for the event.
For Clark, this first year is just the beginning. She said she looks forward to seeing how her future in showing animals will develop and to what the coming years will bring at the Richland County Fair.
Her mother, Dani Kelbley, who grew up showing animals, began in third grade and went all the way through her senior year.
“It was such a fun experience growing up,” Kelbley said.
She said that watching her daughter take on this role has been exciting.
Responsibility, rewards and real life lessons
For 15-year-old Kensley Burrer of Plymouth, the Richland County Fair isn’t just about ribbons and prize money, but about the lessons that will last far beyond the show arena.
Burrer has been showing animals for seven years, building skills and confidence with each fair season. She said the most rewarding part of the experience comes from the responsibility that goes into caring for her animals.
“Learning the responsibility of taking care of your animals and all the stuff that goes into it is probably my favorite,” Burrer said. “Of course with the outcome you get money, but it’s more about the responsibility.”
Looking towards her future, Burrer said it is exciting to see how she will continue to learn from this and apply those skills to her every day life.
Burrer received $1,500 from Unlimited Concrete for her rabbits.
(Pictures from the Jr. Fair Livestock Auction on Thursday evening. Picture credit: Hannah Martin)
