News : Hard Work Pays Off for V-S FFA at the 2023 Benton County Fair

Mentors Steven and Emma Henry with Gina Lutgen, Clayton McKenna, Will McKenna, and Megan Schlitter and the breeding goats they exhibited.

Cooper McClintock, Will McKenna, Izzie Birker, Alana Fleming, Megan Schlitter, and Rachel Rollinger after the Fair Queen Crowning.

Mark Pingenot, Gabby Power, and Jazmyn Dods with her bucket bottle calf.

Evan Lopata with his show steer at the Benton County Fair.

FFA members helping set up the FFA barn for the petting zoo.

Ryan Shipley handing out bunnies for kids to hold during the fair.

Anabelle Hernandez and Dallas Fairbanks led many fun activities in the FFA Barn.

Kids waiting eagerly to see the baby piglets at the Benton County Fair.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker

The Benton County Fair took place on Tuesday, June 20th - Sunday June 25th. But for the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA and many others it all started way before the fair week. In addition to preparing their exhibits in the months leading up to the fair, FFA members started the week by cleaning out the FFA Barn area, laying down wood chips, and putting the displays and pens together for the animals in the petting zoo.

There were many activities led by Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members that were held in the barn throughout the fair such as cookie decorating, flower pot painting, and a sheep craft. Spectators also had the opportunity to be hands on with rabbits, chickens, ducks, and piglets. This was a very exciting opportunity for many of the fairgoers around Benton County.

When they weren't in the FFA Barn, you likely interacted with FFA members at one of the local producer booths as members put in many hours for the Benton County Dairy, Beef, and Pork Producers to help keep everyone fed. FFA members also exhibited a variety of animals at the fair. Megan Schlitter and Will McKenna showed their breeding goats, Andrew Pingenot and Evan Lopata showed their market beef steers, Jazmyn Dods participated in the Bucket Bottle show, and Carly Schlarbaum and Alana Fleming participated in various game events with their horses.

Many other FFA members were able to exhibit through their 4-H clubs as well where they too found success. After a fun interview process, Izzie Birker was also crowned as the 2023 Benton County Fair Queen. Congratulations to all of the participants on their projects and hard work!

(Be sure to scroll through all of the pictures!)