One Lucky Ducky
Pet Show Kicks Off 2018 Houston County Fair and Youth Livestock Show
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – It was a chilly, rain swept night on Tuesday, April 3 as the Houston County Fair and Youth Livestock Show kicked off the 2018 version of the event.
The Porth Ag Arena was filled with contestants, family and friends as the littlest of exhibitors got a chance to hone their showmanship skills in the Pet Show.
Before the first pets entered the ring, Houston County Fair Association Secretary/Treasurer Bever
ly Moore thanked KIVY Radio and South Pines Animal Hospital for sponsoring the event. Moore also introduced the 2018 Houston County Fair and Youth Livestock Show Princess and Queen.
This year’s 2018 Fair Princess is Sophia Ice, 13, representing the Lovelady 4-H. The 2018 Fair
Queen is Samantha Sheppard, 16, representing the Homestead 4-H.
Following the introductions, the show got underway as six different animal classes were presented to the audience and Judge James Alford from Prairie View A&M.
In the K-9 Pure Breed under 25 lbs. category, Ryliee and River Reed took home top honors with their mini-Australian Shepherd named Rusti.
In the K-9 Pure Breed over 25 lbs. category, Landry Beaver took home top honors with her Australian Shepherd named Gus.
In the K-9 Mixed Breed under 25 lbs. category, Catherine Burke and her dog Freddie took home top honors.
In the K-9 Mixed Breed over 25 lbs. category, Kade Stephens and his dog Stixx took home top honors.
In the feline category, Jedidiah Kellum and his kitty Oreo were awarded top honors.
In the miscellaneous category, Yolette Guzman and her hairless rat – Drew – took home top honors.
The Best Mannered Award went to Cleavi Allen and her dog Jenna.
The Best Groomed Award went to Natalie Hopkins and her dog Whiskers.
The Best Team Award went to Jett Arbuckle with his guinea pig Axle.
The Showmanship Award went to Jeremiah Kellum and his dog Nancy.
And last – but certainly not least – Kenneth Miles waddled into the arena with his duck Mr. Peepers on top of his hat and waddled out of the Porth Ag Arena with the Best of Show Award.
Congratulations to all of the contestants and best of luck in the years to come.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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