Looking forward to my fair visits

As I move into one of the busy weeks of my entire year, I once again wonder why I do this to myself.
I would like to learn to not beat myself up if I don’t have entries for the exhibition hall . . . it wouldn’t be the end of the world!
Next week at this time, it will be all over-except for the tired feet and the mess of stuff to unpack and put away. But I do know that I would be disappointed for not trying and finding a few things to enter.
I’m now trying to encourage Maddie and Marlee to do the same, and I keep hoping that this will rub off on them and they will continue to do this as they grow up. I firmly believe that participation is the key to enjoyment.
Maybe if I would have been more of a “midway kid,” I wouldn’t have taken the time to enter? Truthfully, I should be satisfied with just taking the cattle to the fair-after all, it is a big job and if you knew how much dragging it is to get them out there and make things look presentable, I’m sure you would agree taking cattle is enough!
I haven’t missed a year since I was 12 and though I find myself looking forward to watching the girls from the sidelines, it still is a big highlight for many of us. I am very proud of the girls and their confidence with their animals.
This year we are taking 8 animals, none of which are claimed by me (I’m going to be the “bat boy/trainer” or whatever you may call it).
I’m a little stressed about my truck that has a huge list of things that needs to be repaired-all of which has to wait until after the fair. So I will be crossing my fingers that I can get my animals to and from safely!
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For all of my farmer friends out there, if you would be willing to take a couple of hours this weekend and sell tickets for “Catch the Ace” and “Guess the Weight,” please give my mom a call at 482-2781 (she is organizing the schedule).
You certainly will want to be sure and get a ticket or two on the “Catch the Ace” draw as we are expecting the progressive pot to be $7,000 this weekend!
Also be sure to stop in and guess the weight of “Calvin” (a Hereford steer)!
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There won’t be many days to catch up after the fair as we are moving right into harvest at the Emo Agricultural Research Station and, of course, we have our first fall cattle sale on Saturday, Aug. 26.
If you have cattle or you would like to work at the sale, be sure to get in touch with James at 487-2731 or 271-2005.
Now don’t be surprised if you don’t hear back from his this week-he is the chair of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society, so you can bet he will be busy all week at the fairgrounds!
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Stay tuned for more details on “Laying Pipe in the Fight!”
Brielmann Ag, Tait Brothers Contracting, and Prinsco Canada are joining the fight against breast cancer! Prinsco Canada will be donating pink tile and Tait Brothers Contracting will install tile free of charge!
The matching costs of the tile and installation will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation by Brielmann Ag!
This will happen at the end of this month, so stay tuned for more details and how you can join in on the fun!
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See you at the fair. I’m looking forward to many annual visits!