Spectators watch all three show arenas inside the Stillwell Building at the 2018 Klamath County Fair. 4-H Members and FFA Students showcase their animals to see who will become Grand Champion. August 3, 2018 (Brian Gailey)

A participant is shocked to find out her goat is a Champion. August 3, 2018 (Brian Gailey)

The second day of the 2018 Klamath County Fair is all bout the animals. The 4H and FFA Students work hard all year, with grit and determination, just for this day. They purchase the livestock, raise it, feed it, train it, groom it, all for the animal to be its best on show day.

Some youth will even sleep with the animal during the year when it is injured or ill.

Then comes show day - All the prep and readiness never really prepares you for the butterflies of show day. Some radiate confidence, others are fearful of doubt, but all will grow, mature and learn from the events of show day.

Example of Grit
A prime example of this happened just last night. As the sheep were being led into the show arena for the selection of Grand and Reserve Champion, a young man, not much taller than his sheep and not much older than 10, was having a rough night. His sheep was feisty, ornery and down right uncontrollable. The sheep reared up and knocked over the young man to the ground. As the sheep came down, it's front hoof caught the young man on the side of his head by his ear. Stomping on it as he lied on the ground.

Now this young man could have ran out of the building, scared and humiliated. But with a tear in his eye, he got back up, brushed off his jeans, walked into that arena and shown his sheep.

According to Merriam-Webster, grit is defined as - firmness of mind or spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. Just take a few moments to watch these young men and women are the real definition of grit.

What this young man did... that is grit.

Livestock Care
These youth care for their livestock better than they care for their own pets. They analyze the food intake, mixing the best feed for their animal to produce the best yield from the animal. They groom the animal at least daily if not several times per day. Grooming is a tumultuous process, is like going to the salon twice a day.

Today [Saturday, August 4th] these same 4H and FFA stars enter the ring for showmanship. Today it is about them and how well they can show an animal.

Results
Results were not available at the time of publication. We will publish the results when they become available.