Prepping For Fair

Guest blogger and WPA Youth Member, Sy Schlattmann, wrote an award winning essay for this year's WPA project scholarship.

Most of you know me as the "Grand Champion Chicken of Big Horn County Fair 2020", but my real name is Gary. My owner decided that Gary would be a good name for me because I had a little beard that I was growing. But ever since I hatched out as an Araucana, I've always had a beard. When I became the star of 2020 I was so glad, because it felt like I was alive and my owner was so proud of me.

For all the chickens out there, I am going to give you a little tip on how to become a very pretty bird for fair. First, I want to make sure you give your owner a little exercise. When he tries to catch you, run around, let him know who's the boss. When he catches you though, don't fight it. All summer, my owner will catch me. He sometimes stretches out my wings and he even tips me over to practice for the show. Boy do I get dizzy!

Before we head off to the fair though, we have to get checked by the veterinarian, All clear! My owner will then make sure I'm very clean. First he will dip me in a nice tub of warm, soapy water. Next he will dip me in another tub full of clean water and make sure I'm washed off thoroughly. Mostly I air dry myself, but this year I had to stand in front of the fan to dry off. Brrrr. Then, he will take a washcloth and clean my feet. I then get a smile and a pat on the head. Now it is my time to shine at the Big Horn County Fair and this year's 2021 show off.