Inspiration

        The final event in my project year -

Today I'll show my lamb, the fair is here!

        I picked my lamb all by myself, from a herd in a farmer's field -

I researched all the qualities, hoping a grand champion it would yield.

        Each day I'd clean the pen I'd built, and make sure he had clean water and feed -

And take a walk around the block to teach him how to lead.

        Before the fair I clipped and scrubbed so he'd be at his best -

In hopes that when I showed him he'd be far above the rest.

        The big day had come, show time was here, into the ring we went -

I know in my heart, this project for me, was time well spent.

        No matter what happened, no matter who won -

I've sure learned a lot and had great fun.

        The final event in my project year -

Today I'll show my lamb, the fair is here!

        My dad picked out my lamb for me, the son of a show ring star -

The breeder promised him this lamb was sure to take me far.

        My lamb lives in a fancy shed that my parents for him bought -

Dad saw he had clean water and feed even when I forgot.

        A man came when we got to the fair, to do what they call fitting -

Dad explained that this was best, if the blue ribbon we were winning.

        Into the ring they let me take this fancy special lamb -

I sure hoped he'd win the blue or I'd be in a jam.

        The winner's were called, I had won the blue -

But in my heart I knew it wasn't true.

        My parents were so proud of what I had done -

They said good job - for THEY had won.

        But as for me, I don't feel quite fine -

Because this project was not really mine.

By: Julia B. Herron, 4-H Extension Educator,

Columbiana County Extension Office

THE TRUE WINNERS

        It's not the sheen on the horses's coat that's important here today-

It's the shine on the faces of the youth that bring them for display.

        It's not the fancy silver saddle or the elegant sparkling show clothes -

But the sparkle in each youth's eye from the pride in what he shows.

        It's not the fastest horse or the best records figured in math -

But the quality of the youth that guides that horse's path.

        It's not the prettiest, best trained horse in the land -

But the animal that has been molded by a 4-H youth's hand.

        It's not just the one who receives the blue ribbon that's the winner -

But each youth who's done his best - even if he's a beginner.

        So each day, strive if you want to go far-

To remember who the true winners are

By: Julia B. Herron, 4-H Extension Educator

Columbiana County Extension Office