Summer is the hottest time of the year and most definitely my favorite. It’s a time for friends, tans, ice cream and adventures. But for me, it’s also all about the fairs.

In the two short months of June and July, my family, friends and I conquer three long fairs. Summer holds so much joy and happiness for me, that I literally spend the rest of the year longing for it. However, no one can truly understand the fun of fair unless they experience it first hand.

For a FFA or 4-H kid, the fair starts long before the week of rides, lights and shows. At the beginning of every show year, I go out to the dairy and start evaluating my herd to see which of my animals look their very best. I then spend the next months carefully feeding special grains and hays, breaking heifers to lead and finally teach them how to become a champion. Then when the first week of fair comes up, I feel as if all my hard work has payed off!

One of my favorite show memories, was back in July 2012 at the California State Fair in Sacramento. This particular day started at an early three-thirty in the morning and it being the final day of the our last summer fair, we were beyond exhausted!
Earlier in the fair week, I had been rather successful. This show was split up into two divisions, Juniors, for kids under 18 and Open, for adults. I exhibit dairy cattle, with a focus in the breed of Jerseys, so on Jersey Show Day I was extremely busy. I had five of my finest cows and heifers attending and they had all received first or second in their individual classes. All first and second place winners get to go onto the next level depending on their age groups. So that meant I was in the running for Junior and Grand Champion Females. Junior champion was first and even though I didn't win, I was still very proud to be in that ring. Next was the Grand Champion class which had a huge amount of competition. I knew that my best (and favorite) cow Madelina, was capable of winning and it was my duty to show her off to the best of my ability. She was practically glowing and looked her all time best. I definitely felt the pressure but had no problem focusing because I knew what I had to do.
As I strut into the ring,
I lock eyes with the judge. I have to make sure he knows that I am paying attention.

As I walk sideways,
I show off my cow to the best of my ability.

As I sneak a peek at the competition,
I notice that I have a good chance.

As I glance back at the judge,
I watch him study at my cow; he knows she looks good.

As I make the next turn,
I see him motion to me. I envision that big purple ribbon.

As I slide into first place,
I feel some relief, but I know the class isn't over yet.

As I readjust her feet,
I sense the judge is making his final decisions.

As he strolls over to give his reasons,
I know that I have claimed another victory!

And just like that, the class was over. Madelina and I had won! I was completely ecstatic not only because it was my first time winning Grand at State Fair, but also because I had received Reserve Champion in the Open Division, which was a huge accomplishment considering the level of expertise that I had competed with. It took me a few minutes to fully understand when my family and friends came running up to me, all shouting with joy, “SUPREME!” “SUPREME!!” I had totally forgotten that because I won, I would be competing at the highest junior level in all of California. Supreme Champion. The words sounded magical as I pondered how the class would go. I knew that I had even more competition and would be going against many friends and even an old rival. Supreme Champion is the one class where different breeds are judged against each other. All the Grand Champions show against each other to find the overall “Supreme Champion.” I would be in a class against my friends Brandon and his Holstein, Kasidi and her Milking Shorthorn, Anton and his Guernsey, and my rivals Elise and her Brown Swiss.

In the days that followed, I anticipated the Supreme Champion class and when it finally came I was very excited. I had kept myself busy all morning to keep from stressing out so Madelina was brushed, sprayed, tail fluffed, udder made shiny, show halter put on just right, and hooves painted black. We were ready. I can also distinctly remember my dad telling me pointers like, “take a deep breath,” “you can do it,” and “don’t over think it, just show.” And with that, the long-awaited class began.
Supreme Champion is a really big deal, so all the showmen have a short biography read about them as they’re showing. I can remember smiling to myself as mine was read and being so proud of just being able to walk in that class. As we lined up, the judge walked up and down, across the ring and back, glancing from one cow to another. For the majority of the time however, he examined Madelina and then compared her to Elise’s Swiss, which made the butterflies erupt in my stomach. I knew it was down to us two.

It is a common sight when a judge finishes a champion class, for him or her to slap the rear of first the reserve champion, then the champion animal. Our judge finished the class and before performing this tradition, told us how he would give his reasons after announcing the winners. He then walked over to Elise, then to me, then back to Elise, then before naming her reserve, shook his head and walked back to me, slapping Madelina and shaking my hand with congratulations. After that, he strutted over to Elise and announced her Supreme Champion.
As much as it hurt not winning, I learned a lot in that one little class. I figured out that I if I continue to set goals and do everything I can to complete them, that I will and can do anything I set my mind too. I also didn't walk away totally empty handed. Elise may have won Supreme, but I won Supreme Champion Udder, which to some people may not be as important, but it shows that I have what it takes to breed and care for my jerseys, and can show alongside the professionals.
As we walked out of the fairgrounds that night, I knew that I had accomplished so much that past week and promised myself that I would be back in that Supreme Champion Class and I would do my very best to win it all. As I fell asleep late that night, i wondered what adventures the next action packed day would hold and how much fun I would have following my dreams and working even harder to accomplish my new goals.