Name : Cade Van Vliet

Shown : Cattle

Grade : Junior

What did you enjoy most about being a showman at the Iowa State Fair?  

I like the adrenaline rush you get when you walk into the show ring, just like any sport to go out and see that hundreds of people are watching to see who wins is really a rush.

Are you happy with how you showed at the fair?

I am very happy with our outcome this year at the fair. My sister was grand champion in one of the shows, and I was Reserve Grand Champion in the other, so I believe it was a very successful year.

What led you to begin showing at the state fair?

My dad showed cattle at the state fair for most of his life and has been bringing cattle to show at the fair for 30 years, so now it’s not only a hobby for our family, it is also a tradition, and something that we have to do and follow every year.

Describe your experiences showing at the fair.

It is a lot of fun because I get to see lots of friends that I don’t see very often, so we get to catch up with one another and also being very competitive with one another on who is going to beat who and how big of a prize you are gonna take home at the end of the day. Overall I believe it was a very successful year showing, and I can’t wait to come back next year and do it all again.

Name: Jack Williamson

Shown: Hogs

Grade: Junior

What do you enjoy most about being a showman at the Iowa state fair?

I enjoy being surrounded by all of my friends and family, doing what I love to do.

Are you happy with how you showed at the fair?

No, I was a little bit upset with our outcome this year, but it is what it is.  Better luck next year.

What led you to begin showing at the state fair?

My family has been showing hogs for the last 10 years. So we continue to show because I enjoy doing it a lot.

Describe your experiences showing at the fair.  

Staying and showing at the Iowa State Fair is very stressful at times, and you’re always on the go but still having a good time while you’re doing it.

•Caleb Vitullo, [email protected]