Moo, oink, quack: Welcome to Sibley County Fair

Fair to run through Aug. 3

in Arlington

By MARTHA KRIENKE

Journal Staff Writer

ARLINGTON - Moo. Oink. Quack.

These are the sounds of the Sibley County Fair beginning in Arlington. 4-H contenders worked in the stiff July heat on Wednesday unloading their hope-to-be "prized possessions" including everything from livestock to flowers to chocolate chip cookies.

Trucks and trailers lined the dusty paths, as kids and adults tugged the animals to their new homes on the fairgrounds.

Eleven-year-old Connor Wigand from Henderson is showing his cow "April" for the first time this year. He said, "I'm not really nervous cause I work with them at home."

Jon Farber's family from Green Isle spent the opening day bringing out 10 dairy cows, two sheep, rabbits and other exhibits. "It's a family effort," he said.

Years ago Farber's parents Wayne and Marlys Farber started him in the 4-H club Weeping Willow where he met his wife Cheryl. Now the tradition continues with their three daughters Lynn (14), Erin (11) and Lauren (9) who are involved in the High Island Clovers Club. Cheryl's parents Melvin and Lois Dahlke are also highly involved in the fair.

Lynn said she has learned the importance of responsibility by showing animals at the fair. "You're going to have to do a lot of work," she said.

For the past two years Lynn has had the opportunity to advance to the State Fair. She said the State Fair gives her the "chance to be on my own and show my mom and dad that I can do this on my own." In 2002 Lynn's rabbit won the championship doe ribbon in Sibley County. "I was really surprised when I got that," she said.

As a "4-H Dad" and dairy farmer, Jon Farber does his best to teach his daughters how to care and show the animals. He said he tells them to "do what you can do and do your best." Caring for the animals is a year round project, he said. So who does the most work? "It's debatable," said Farber. "If you ask the kids, they say they do all the work. If you ask the parents, they'll say they do all the work."

The Sibley County Fair will run through Aug. 3. Entertainment includes a talent contest on Thursday, free sweet corn feed on Friday, a kiddie pedal pull on Saturday and a church service with the Wendinger Brothers on Sunday. A full schedule is available at the fair grounds. Admission is $3 for those 12 and older, free for 11 and under, and a season pass is $8.