Embracing the County Fair: A Family's Journey of Growth and Celebration

The Nesse family's annual pilgrimage to the county fair has once again come to a close, leaving behind a tapestry of cherished memories, personal triumphs, and a renewed appreciation for the bonds that unite them. This year's event marked a significant milestone, as four out of their five children transitioned from the Cloverbud stage, showcasing their newfound independence and passion for their chosen projects.

Forging Connections, Cultivating Passions

Abby's Dairy Goat Odyssey

Abby's journey has been one of remarkable transformation. What began as a meat goat project in 2020 has blossomed into a thriving dairy goat endeavor. The family marvels at Abby's dedication, as she has meticulously cultivated a small herd of registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, a far cry from the backyard-bred Pygmy goats she once tended. Abby's commitment to learning has been exemplary, as she has diligently visited various dairy goat farms, immersing herself in the intricacies of the breed. Her hard work paid off, as she secured a relief position at one of the farms, further fueling her passion. The culmination of her efforts was evident in the show ring, where her two registered does freshened in July, showcasing their stunning udders and earning first and second place in the milking yearling class of the 4-H and open shows. Abby's triumph was palpable, a testament to her unwavering determination.

Easton's Mischievous Companion

Easton's experience at the fair was marked by the antics of his dry yearling goat, which provided endless entertainment and chatter throughout the goat barn. The goat, seemingly more interested in showcasing her athletic prowess than her feminine qualities, repeatedly jumped out of her pen, forcing the family to devise creative solutions to keep her contained. Easton's mother jokingly remarked that the goat's uncanny abilities and mischievous attitude mirrored her owner's personality, quipping that Easton would have earned a purple ribbon if there were blue ribbons for athletic goats. Despite the goat's antics, Easton's hard work paid off, as he returned home with a reserve grand champion award for his woodworking project.

Cora's Poultry Passion

While Cora brought a junior doe kid to the fair, her true passion lay in the poultry barn, where she eagerly assisted her friend who had brought a plethora of birds. Cora's curiosity and eagerness to learn were palpable, as she immersed herself in the intricacies of the poultry project. When asked about her most enjoyable experience, Cora enthusiastically shared her newfound fascination with Pekin ducks. Beyond her own projects, Cora also took on the role of the family's unofficial public relations representative, ensuring that everyone who desired had the opportunity to pet the adorable baby goats.

Jonny's Shining Moments

Jonny's enthusiasm for the fair was palpable, as he reveled in every moment of the experience. He too brought a junior doe kid and performed admirably in the show ring, earning the title of grand champion beginner showman. Jonny's pride in his accomplishment was evident, as he proudly donned his new belt buckle with every outfit, even his pajamas. Beyond his livestock project, Jonny's favorite endeavors were the soldering kits he had assembled over the winter, which included a timer and a memory game.

Jordy's Joyful Explorations

For the youngest Nesse sibling, Jordy, the fair was a playground of pure delight. He was content to simply soak in the atmosphere, indulge in fair food, and revel in the company of his friends. Jordy's enthusiasm was evident in the stains that adorned his show whites, a testament to his carefree spirit. In the show ring, Jordy found joy in the presence of his big sister by his side, and by the fair's final day, he discovered a foolproof method of attracting attention – holding a baby goat. Jordy reveled in the opportunity to chat with passersby and answer their questions, his infectious enthusiasm captivating all who encountered him.As for the parents, Whitney and her husband, the fair experience was a bittersweet mix of exhaustion and pride. They reminded their children that the true value of their endeavors lay not in the ribbons or trophies, but in the connections forged, the friendships made, and the joy experienced throughout the process. The fair, akin to a family reunion, provided a cherished opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and strengthen the bonds that had been cultivated over the years.The conclusion of the fair season ushers in a melancholic symphony of crickets, heralding the arrival of cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and the start of a new school year. While Whitney's heart yearns for time to slow down, she finds solace in the privilege of witnessing her children's growth and development. In this bittersweet moment, she chooses to be present, savoring each precious moment with her family, neither looking ahead nor dwelling on the past.As the Nesse family bids farewell to the county fair, they extend their best wishes to all their friends as they embark on their own journeys at the State Fair in the coming weeks. The memories and lessons learned will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of this sixth-generation livestock farming family, deeply rooted in their faith and unwavering commitment to one another.