Kids in 4-H and their animals greeted visitors of the Whidbey Island Fair in Langley this week.
Two girls showing their cows said they were inspired to join 4-H after seeing the farm animals from years prior.
Samantha Ollis, age 16, from Langley raised her two cows, Duke and Daisy, since they were six months old. She had seen the 4-H animals at the fair before she had animals of her own to raise and thought it would be a fun thing to try. Now she wants to be a vet.
Harley Engle, age 11, from Coupeville said it was her third year of showing cows.
“I’d like to have a ranch when I’m older, be a cow judge, and be a breeder of beef cows,” Engle said.
She had four cows named Scarlett, Byron, Peyton and Annie (after Orphan Annie since the mom rejected the calf but it survived).
Beyond farm animals, a wide variety of other creatures — from snakes and turtles to cats and dogs — also came to the fair this year.
In a separate area, children and adults who entered baked goods, preserved foods, handmade quilts and homespun yarn had a chance to show off their skills.
Paul Ben McElwain demonstrated how to spin with Navajo Churro wool, which he said is a specific breed of sheep.
“My wife took a class and I stopped by on what happened to be spinning day — and my hands just liked it,” McElwain said.
He said the wool he was spinning would be used for some sort of outer garment because it was too scratchy to be worn against the skin.
Live music on multiple stages got people dancing and a variety of food vendors and carnival rides will probably have something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
The Whidbey Island Fair will run through Sunday at the county fairgrounds.
Clementine Penny, age 3, from Clinton at the petting zoo. Photo by Emily Gilbert/South Whidbey Record.
A curious sheep in a pink outfit waits its turn to be shown at the fair. Photo by Emily Gilbert/South Whidbey Record.
Photo by Emily Gilbert/South Whidbey Record. Samantha Ollis, of Langley, with her cows Duke, left, and Daisy, which she’s raised.
