Mountain Home FFA students will showcase months of preparation on Wednesday as livestock competitions begin at the Baxter County Fair in Mountain Home. According to Mountain Home Public Schools agriculture teacher Carson White, around 30 students plan to exhibit animals this year. Preparation for the fair began earlier this week, with students working in the fair barns since Monday.
The fair activities kick off Wednesday morning with poultry and rabbit arrivals at the Critter Barn from 8 a.m. to noon. During this time, poultry blood testing will also take place. Livestock check-in and weigh-in is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m., followed by the opening of the 4-H Poultry Hen Silent Auction at 5 p.m. in the Critter Barn.
Livestock competitions begin Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in the Livestock Show Arena, starting with the swine show and showmanship events. These will feature breeding gilts and market hogs. With warm temperatures expected, White noted that students will also be tasked with keeping their animals comfortable throughout the events.
In addition to the livestock shows, the fairgrounds will welcome visitors to commercial exhibits, carnival rides, and live music starting Wednesday evening. Commercial booths will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and the carnival will run from 5 p.m. until closing.
On the outdoor stage, the musical group Brothers & Sisters in Christ (BASIC) will perform from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Baxter County Fair Horse Show will take place at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Home Saddle Club Arena, featuring events such as poles, stakes, barrels, flags, speed, Big T, and keyhole competition.
According to White, the fair provides an opportunity for FFA students to demonstrate the results of their hard work, while also imparting important life lessons. "The work it takes to get these animals ready teaches responsibility, dedication, and teamwork," White said.
The Baxter County Fair continues through the week with additional attractions and competitions for the entire community. More information is available at baxtercountyfair.org.