Generations in the Show Ring

Whether it’s the smell of fresh shavings or the chatter of old friends catching up, there is something about a county fair that never changes. The fairgrounds become a place where traditions are built and for as long as I can remember, the Ottawa County Fair has been the heartbeat of late summer in my hometown community.

For my family, the tradition in the show ring started decades ago, when my grandpas each walked a pig into the ring at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Miami, Oklahoma. They competed against each other year after year, building a lasting friendship and starting a family tradition. Years later, that tradition carried on through my parents, who also raised and showed pigs at the county fair. The fairgrounds hold a special place in my family’s story, being the place my parents first met and engaged, making the county fair more than just an event, but a place where legacies begin.

Every August, my family has found itself back at the fairgrounds, continuing the tradition my grandpas started many years ago. For me, FFA and 4-H were a huge part of my life growing up. I started showing pigs at the Ottawa County Fair when I was just 10 years old, and even won my first belt buckle there. Through these experiences, I learned the value of hard work and responsibility, seeing each pay off year after year. My brother and I started our pig herd together in 4-H. We’ve shown all sorts of breeds – my favorite being Yorkshires and my brother’s Durocs. No matter the breed, we’ve always taken pride in raising our own livestock and putting care and effort into each one.

This year’s county fair marked the end of an era for my family. Although my time showing at the Ottawa County Fair came to an end in 2022, I’ve been back each year since to support my brother, and unfortunately, this year was his final county show. It was a bittersweet moment watching him walk his Duroc out of the ring for the final time. Then, I was reminded that throughout the past decade, we’ve created memories together that will last forever.

I never realized how meaningful it was to showcase my livestock and share my passion with others. Each conversation sparked by a question, every child reaching out to pet an animal and even each passerby who learns something new about where their food comes from reminds me of how important events like this can be in a community. The county fair isn’t only about buckles and ribbons, but more about fostering understanding, building connections and passing on traditions in agriculture to the next generation.