NC State Fair 2022

Pig Show

The NC State Fair started with the pig show for the Lintons. I flew in the afternoon to be able to watch the boys compete in showmanship that evening. They did great! The next day we would come back to compete in market classes.

Isaac had to drive in a line with other showman straight at the judge during showmanship. It was pretty cool to watch.

Fair (Mostly Food) Time

After the show, we all went walking around the fair to get food and see some things.

I submitted our photo as a NC Farm Family without telling anyone. It was an exciting surprise to find as we were walking about!

Isaac and Gideon were plotting to buy this firetruck.

Sometimes you just have to go for it. Hot dog wrapped in pretzel with queso, bacon and chili…one of my faves at the fair.

My other must have this year was Dole whip. I convinced Mom and Joanna that they also needed this. We were not disappointed.

Joanna was an honorary Linton for the day!

Sheep Prep & Show

We fit 21 sheep this year. Later we discovered we fit 3 too many…oops. It’s wild to see their different personalities. Some sheep are chill while others go bananas. Some sheep are also easier to fit while others seem to find everything possible to role in.

Mom decided to count every single sandspur on Dahlia she found. She pulled over 700 from her legs, neck and head. Dahlia was the worst of all the sheep, but you can imagine how much time was spent picking sandspurs out of sheep.
PS I love Dahlia’s little white snip.

After several days of fitting sheep, it was time to load up and head to the fair. Everyone was given a coat to stay clean. Isaac drove the truck and trailer to Raleigh; he did good even with a u-turn.

After settling in to the barn, we grabbed lunch on the Midway. We discovered there’s such a thing as too much fried food.

Show day dawned early! We gave all the sheep breakfast and started to bring them over to the holding area. Showmanship was up first. Isaac showed Dahlia and Gideon showed his tried and true, Collette. The boys killed it and walked away with 3rd and 4th in seniors.

Typical stock show parents—leaning on the rail, watching, and discussing.

After showmanship, it was on to showing in almost every class. Our girls were often in the top two spots. Champion Junior Ewe selection came. We had several sheep in contention (huge thank you to those who gave extra hands to show). Ultimately, Suzette was named Grand Champion Junior Ewe. Because she was born and bred on our farm, she also received NC Born and Bred Champion! Suzette is a fourth generation raised on our farm. Talk about special!

After the junior show, the open show started. This is where I (and baby Chickpea) could show! I chose some of the calmer sheep that I didn’t have to bend over too much for. One of my favorites to show was Alice.

The judge said he was sorry, but he was going to give first place to Isaac and Artichoke. I said that was fine. He was my brother. I was just having fun showing.

Then, it was time to name an Overall Supreme Grand Wool Breeds. The judge looked at Champion Open Show Ewe, Champion Junior Ewe, Champion Fleece, and Champion Open Ram. We were beyond thrilled that Suzette was chosen as Overall Supreme!!! What an honor!

Ending on a High

We celebrated the big win with a Ferris Wheel ride and more food (funnel cakes, apple fries, sweetpotato ham biscuit, sirloin tips, smoothies, and BBQ tater-tots). Gideon even lucked out and got an upgraded pineapple from a cup! Needless to say, it was an excellent day and a great NC State Fair! Until next year! We’ll be adding one more to the show string next year.