Youth and felines sweat it out in fair cat show

Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Ben Holman/Daily Mail Cats and exhibitors cope with the heat during the Vernon County Youth Fair cat show on Tuesday. Cats panted and had little tolerance for the goings-on, but exhibitors patiently showed and cared for the animals, making sure the cats had plenty of access to water, which they greedily slurped.

By Ben Holman

Nevada Daily Mail

The Vernon County Youth Fair is officially underway and Tuesday was full of exciting events for all the participants.

Events began in summer heat pushing 100 degrees and the effects of the sizzling heat could be seen on both the faces of the participants and their cats, who panted heavily and slurped water. The cats looked uncomfortable but the contestants dealt with the situation well. Melea Galimberto, who showed her American Shorthaired Tabby, Mandy, Tuesday said, "I had to hold her because I didn't have a collar for her, I think that's why I got a red ribbon."

Melea was also involved in yesterday's other big event, the judging of non-livestock entries in the Home Economics building. Entrants were judged in many different categories for everything from baked goods to educational displays. When asked what it took to prepare for competition Galimberto said, "I baked Saturday afternoon, Sunday evening and Monday afternoon. It was a lot of work, but cleaning up was the worst."

Also among the entries were a many photographs. George Cragin, who's photo of a broken fence won district placement said, "It was my least favorite picture. I liked my picture of the dirt road the best." However, he is very happy to have done so well.

The evening offered a fashion show review, with girls who had both made their own outfits and purchased ensembles. A 'Share-the-Fun" time, where the best skits from an event earlier in the year were enthusiastically presented. Awards were then given for the dog show and shooting sports events that occurred before the fair.

The evening culminated with the coronation of the Fair Queen and Princess. The 2004 Queen is Ashley Slates and the Princess is Reba Hurst. With all of these highly talented and accomplished kids, this year's Vernon County Youth Fair promises to be an excellent one.

Non-livestock results will be printed at the close of the fair.

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