Jamisyn with her Star Class hogs
The Summit County Fair has been going on all week. The kids raise their hogs, steers, and lambs to show and sell at the fair. The younger kids usually join in with chickens, bunnies, and art. Summit County has long been known for its high prices for the auction. This year seemed a bit lean due to the economy, but it was still a great success.
Jamisyn with her 4th Place Hog
Silvere helping show hogs
I did notice one thing this year. It is an election year, and you often see candidates step in and purchase. They are helping the kids, helping the community, and they get name recognition by the people who are keeping the rural part of Summit County alive and well.
Right out of the shoot,
Rob Hunt for County Assessor
Rob Hunt, running for County Assessor, and Richard Motto, running for County Clerk, purchased a hog. The auctioneer mentioned they would take that kind of “stimulus.” This was their first time purchasing at the fair, and they were looking forward to getting great meat and donating to a good cause.
Richard Motto for County Clerk
Then Sherriff Dave Edmunds joined in. He also purchased a hog. After the hogs were sold, the steer went to sale, then the lambs. Henry Glasheen, running for County Treasurer purchased a lamb.
Sheriff Dave Edmunds
Richard Motto & Henry Glasheen for County Treasurer
Here is the interesting thing … they are all Republicans. This is typical of a Republican. See a need, and fill it, without government interference. The Summit County Jr. Livestock Sale, through the 4-H program, is a way to encourage our youth to achieve their goals, set aside money for college, and learn about the circle of life. Amazingly, there seems to be no need for government subsidy. Hard work actually pays off for these youth. In addition, their parents are actively engaged in helping them. That is the American way. These kinds of programs are what every community needs. If not with animals, then with art, crafts, gardening, etc. A little competition is great for these kids, and gives them a sense of pride. It teaches them that instant gratification is less rewarding than reaping what you sow. Our country has become obsessed with having it now, and that is not real. It takes time to create a harvest; it takes time to raise an animal.
Some children become very attached to their animals and both of my girls shed quite a few tears as their animals were taken away to the slaughterhouse. They have loved these animals all summer, fed, watered and walked them. Nevertheless, they understand that while their bodies are still here for us to appreciate and help sustain us, their spirits have moved on, and they have filled the measure of their creation. Besides, bacon is yummy!
Also, Lyndon & Stacy Jones, STAR Forum members, were responsible for the purchase of many animals, including a steer. This is a wonderful way for everyone to get involved in their community, and show their support for those in the upcoming generation.
If only our government understood these principles. We, the people, do, and as we continue to teach our children these principles, they will grow up and become our government. We have raised children in a 3rd turning, and it is now time to raise adults.
Now, I could have missed the Democrat candidates purchasing animals, but I did not hear any names that I recognized as candidates.
The S.T.A.R. Forum 