4-H members prepare pigs for fair

4-H'ers learn valuable life skills while raising animals for the Sweetwater County Fair.

Most residents look forward to the fair each year for Wyoming's Big Show, but for these kids it's the time that all their hard work and dedication pays off.

This year more than 30 kids from the Green River and Jamestown area are participating in 4-H Club. One of the clubs, Project Hope, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their swine barn located in the horse corrals on East Teton Boulevard.

Most of the families begin raising their pigs in March or April. The kids commit their summer to feedings, pen cleanings, walking and raising their pigs.

It's a full-time commitment. Keaton Davies has been in the club for two years and loves participating.

"I like the experience," Davies said. "I like learning about animals and raising them."

Not only do the 4-H'ers learn about their animals they also take part in a club election and while they have adult advisors, the kids make all the decisions about their club in their weekly meetings. Club president, Delaney Gardea, has been in 4-H for five years.

She looks forward each year to getting her pigs and watching them gain weight for fair.

"It is fun to see them transform from crazy pigs to tame bacon," Gardea said.

In July when it is closer to fair they start to focus more on the showmanship aspect of their pigs. The walking becomes more intense, the kids put in more time at the barn and the pigs weight becomes a serious focus.

At this point in the game, Maddux Tait, a fourth year 4-H'er, said he goes down every morning and night to feed his pigs and walk them.

"I enjoy 4-H because it's fun and it give me responsibility for the summer," Tait said. "Fair is a great reward for all my hard work."