News : Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Celebrates Their Hard Work at the 2024 Benton County Fair

FFA Members and Alumni helping clean up wood chips in the FFA Barn.

Andrew Pingenot showing in the bucket bottle show.

Kirsten Pettit posing proudly with her Senior Showmanship banner.

Megan Schlitter and Will McKenna showing their breeding goats.

FFA Members working together to set up the FFA Barn.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker 

The Benton County Fair took place on the week of June 18-23. During the county fair, many Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members participated in showing livestock, working in the local food booths, and helping out with fun activities in the FFA barn. But all of their amazing efforts to contribute to the fair started weeks beforehand with setting out trash barrels, laying wood chips, setting up pens, and even hanging up signs in the barns. 

We also had many members who worked for months to prepare their livestock. Kirsten Pettit said, "Showing rabbits at the fair has truly been an amazing experience, but I would definitely say that the best part was being able to connect with other people in my FFA chapter. I had a fantastic support group throughout the time that I was preparing for the fair and so many supporters when I was showing. I was on the fence about deciding to show because of the fear of being alone in the process, but that was never the case. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to be an exhibitor and it wouldn't have happened without the help from my Chapter and my community." This is Kirsten's first year showing in the county fair and she has done some great things already receiving several First In Class finishes and winning the overall Senior Showmanship in the rabbit show, in addition to working almost every shift she could in the FFA barn. 

Various other FFA members also exhibited animals at the fair on behalf of the chapter. Bridgette Castle and Cael Koeppen also participated in the rabbit show. Megan Schlitter, Eleanor Moen, and Will McKenna showed their goats. Will and Abby McKenna showed in the swine show. Andrew Pingenot, Evan Lopata, and Dakota Lopata showed in various cattle shows while Bri Dulin participated in the Bucket Bottle show. Alana Fleming, Evan Lopata, Katelyn Fleming, and Dakota Lopata participated in various horse shows. Overall, these members were able to see numerous awards for their hard work. Many other FFA members were also able to exhibit through their 4-H Clubs as well, where they too found success.

Throughout the rest of the week there were many activities led by FFA Chapters to attract and educate children. Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members led a couple of activities like Garden in a Glove and cookie decorating. Spectators also had the opportunity to be hands on with rabbits, chickens, ducks, and piglets. This was a very exciting opportunity for many of the fairgoers around Benton County. 

 After a fun interview process, Grayce McClintock was also crowned as the 2024 Benton County Fair Princess. Members also assisted in each of the commodity group food booths to make sure everyone at fair stayed well-fed!

Congratulations to all of the participants on their projects and hard work!