Two weeks before the Jefferson County Fair, Maylea Dawson was brimming with excitement. Her bright blue eyes shone as she shared the story of her 4-H market steer, Black Spot.
Details about how much feed he went through and how much time it took to nurture him for the upcoming fair poured out. There was no need for her to say she loved the animal.
Seated next to her, her father Bill said he and Maylea’s mother Meagan had been reluctant to let Maylea raise a market steer, thinking she was a bit young. Last year, Maylea explained, she was a Cloverbud, not old enough to be in large animal competition. But this year, having reached age 8, she was old enough by the rules, if not in her parents’ eyes.
A broad smile spread across her face as she heard her dad admit that she had proven them wrong.
That was before the final judging at the Jefferson County Fair Wednesday night.
Showing Black Spot in the youth class before the judge and audience, she was very attentive to how the steer’s feet were placed and how straight his back and head were. She prodded him to encourage just the right stance, keeping close watch on the judge and listening carefully to instructions.
The effort paid off with a Grand Champion Junior Showmanship award.
After judging of the championship class of more experienced 4-Hers came the judging for market steer. The judge took time with the review, sending the entrants around the arena more than once, examining the coat on the steers, and taking the measure of the 4-Hers.
When all was said and done, Maylea was the winner of a second Grand Championship award, this time for market steer.
Watching nearby, her mom and dad did not get any ribbons, but they did earn the chance to know that when Maylea sets her mind to something, she can do it, and in fine fashion – championship fashion all around.
