Kevin Gump (from left), Cara Schwartz, Isabella Conley, Owen Conley, Jace Mawhorr, Ashdon Simindinger, Alex Odell, and Jackson Lee gathered for a picture following the Born and Raised in Allen County Market Lamb Show.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — The Allen County Fair hosted its annual Born and Raised in Allen County Market Lamb Show on Tuesday afternoon at the show arena. The show was judged by Kevin Gump, who is the owner of Gump Show Lambs.
He has bred and sold market lambs for more than 30 years all across the United States. He has also judged shows in 10 different states.
During the show, Gump shared words of encouragement with the participants.
“Create goals and try to obtain those goals,” said Gump. “If you do not obtain those goals, do not be discouraged. Find out what you want to do better.
“Continue to encourage your kids. They will have to deal with adversity so hopefully, they will learn through this. When you learn to deal with that adversity, you become more successful. I think you all have some really nice sheep here. The kids are doing a great job, very noble and respectful — it says a lot about who they have at home developing, so congratulations to you all,” he said.
Many have participated in 4-H throughout their families’ history.
The Staley family has shown animals in the Allen County fair for generations.
“My children used to show; now my grandchildren do,” said Matt Staley. “We have some acres and farms. We purchased land from a family in Allen County. We used to breed, but we do not have a separate herd anymore. ”
Jackson Lee obtained second place in the junior fair. Jackson’s mom, Miranda Lee, shared about his love of the Allen County Fair and 4-H club.
“We get the lambs when they are a lot younger,” said Lee. “Then we work with his chair. This is his second year doing 4-H. He has cousins that have shown and they help him in the rink. This win was very shocking, surprising and exciting for him.”
Members of the 4-H club begin to get together in January and prepare until the fair begins in August.
“He loves it,” added Lee. “He loves the kids. Most of them live in our neighborhood, we get to see members of the club all year around. He gets a lot of help from the sheep barn and kids.”
The top 10 winners include Sandra Clum, Jackson Lee, Raelyn Stauffer, Riley Bowers, Hayden Long, Eli Lehman, Jaxson Rayl, Tanner Paxson, Ainsley Massie and Isabella Conley.
