Manson Grange Youth Fairs Program celebrates fair success

MANSON – The Manson Grange Youth Fairs program had a successful showing at the Chelan County Fair, with 27 students participating.

This was the group's second year of going to the fair. They brought 20 animals and numerous still life entries, Manson Grange Youth Fairs Program Leader Norm Manly said. 

"We received many positive comments from FAA and 4-H leaders as well as fair visitors on how well our kids represented the Manson Grange," Manly said. "We are very proud of our students."

The event provided an educational platform for young members, preparing them for future participation in 4-H and FFA programs. 

Denali Lewman won several ribbons for her still life entries and for showing her Lavender Orpington chicken.

"I enjoyed learning about how to show the different types of animals and all the different exhibits; it was fun hanging out with the FFA kids and learning about judging produce," Denali said.

Janell Lyman has three children in the Youth Fairs program, Andrew, Hunter, and Lilly. 

"I think fair went really well," Lyman said. "I know my kids learned from participating this year."

"All three worked really hard on decorating the display board that went above their pig's stall; they received a 2nd place award for their work," Lyman said. "Our kids won a 2nd place Barn Herdsmanship, that award is given to livestock exhibitors to recognize the care of their animals. Hunter won Reserve Grand Champion for "showmanship", Andrew won Reserve Grand Champion in "market showing" and Grand Champion "fitting and showing"."

Robin, Nick, Katelyn, and Lucas Pittman had to pivot when, two days before the fair, they lost part of their flock of ducks to a dog attack.

Their lead duck, Miss Popcorn, was injured and could not be entered in the fair. 

"For Katelyn, being in the Grange Youth Fairs program has given her confidence to work through the disappointments and last-minute changes," Robin said. "It wasn't easy bringing Speedy, an angry feral duck to fair, but she did it and she did it well. Speedy, appropriately named, escaped several times, scratched, and bit her hard." 

"Katelyn carried on and had a fantastic time bonding with her Grange friends, making new ones, and experiencing many new things," Robin said. "She can't wait for Chelan County Fair next year." 

"My daughter, Anya and I had a great first experience at the fair,  she can't wait to attend next year," her mother Diane Tsao said.

"I'm glad we were able to participate in the fair together this year," Tsao said. "It was definitely one of the highlights of our summer."

Kendal Alanis won several ribbons and had a great time at the fair, her mother, Kourtney Alanis, said.

"It was heartwarming to watch all the kids work together, get along, and have lots of fun," Kourtney said. 

Kenna Hie was proud to win several ribbons for her artwork, her grandmother Kim Ustanik said.

"This was Kenna's and my first year participating at the Chelan County Fair," Ustanik said. "At only six years old, it's quite the experience."

The Youth Fairs program, similar to 4-H and FFA, focuses on preparing students ages five through eight for future participation in FFA programs at Manson and Chelan High Schools.

Its mission is to provide a supportive, educational environment where young Grange members can build confidence, strengthen character, develop life skills, and learn self-discipline. The Manson Youth Fairs group meets monthly on the third Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Grange Hall.

For more information about the Youth Fairs program contact Norm Manly, Program Leader at 509-293-0225 or email normmanly@yahoo.com.

Norm Manly contributed to this report.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.