Ryann Butler, 16, Tampa

Wow, time sure flew by at the fair this past weekend! From Thursday to Sunday, I was so busy doing competitions, taking tests, and showing Garth, and I have been totally exhausted! I do have to say that I miss Garth a lot. He was such a good pig, but I knew what the outcome was at the end of the project. I tried not to think of him a pet but simply a grade for school. But going out to feed and take care of him every day certainly grows a bond you can’t avoid! However, the fair was a great experience, and I would recommend doing it for a change. Garth and I won a red ribbon for showmanship and a white one for the swine show.

I was proud of him and myself for getting a ribbon as an amateur! It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it to just get out there and show it off. I hope to show a pig or perhaps another animal in the fair next year and can’t wait to do it all over again! Here are some pictures at the fair: