By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
Wednesday was a day to remember for Kendyl Guinther and her goats.
Guinther’s goats were named best in the heavyweight division as well as the meat type market kid. Then to top it off, Guinther who is a member of the Dairy Maids and Gents 4-H club also took home the overall Grand Champion ribbon and trophy.
When asking Guinther her feelings after winning it all she excitedly expressed, “(it’s) pretty amazing, I’m speechless honestly! It’s been a very eventful day!”
Guinther put many long hours into taking care of her goats and making sure they were always happy. She mentions her daily tasks of walking them, bracing them, playing with them, and making sure they were comfortable with her. All the time and effort clearly paid off and produced what was deemed as a champion.
Guinther is very passionate about her goats and loves what she does. Asking her what her favorite part of showing goats was she immediately replied with a genuine smile, “literally everything, they just have their own personality. Like this one is stubborn,” she laughed referring down to her grand champion goat, while she waited to collect the samples the vet needed to test him.
Her passion to show goats doesn’t stop in the arena though. Encouraging others to join her in the great experience of showing goats she says, “I would recommend it very highly, it is seriously a learning experience!”
Guinther wasn’t the only one passionate about Junior Fair goats.
“I don’t think there is a better project in the world for these kids than goats…I just think it makes a better person out of you,” goat show judge Mick Culp told the audience when wrapping up the show.
It was very clear and evident that Culp cared very much about the exhibitors and their goats, as he spent an ample amount of time for each class.
Making sure every feature of the goat was observed, Culp mentioned numerous times how his decisions were very hard to make because there was so many good-looking goats.
To begin the day, the Jury Scholarship winner was awarded to Chelsea Mosley.
The showmanship kicked off after the scholarship winner was awarded. All exhibitors walked the arena with professionalism and knowledge, yet a winner had to be chosen.
Showing her skill, Megan Gwirtz won the Senior Division, advancing her on to the Showman of Showmen on Friday evening.
In the Intermediate Division, Levi Hartschuh was the victor. Bringing the showmanship to an end, Livia Leonhart was named champ of the Junior Division.
The pee wee showmanship took place upon conclusion of naming the Reserve and Grand Champions over all, ending the show with a adorable representation of just what judge Culp was expressing, what a good way for kids to grow up.
Complete results of the Junior Fair Goat Show follow.
Results for showmanship
Senior Division:
1. Megan Gwirtz
2. Kendyl Guinther
3. Ehtan Burkhart
4. Claire Miller
5. Madison Rinehart
Honorable Mention: Ashley & Amanda Stockmaster
Intermediate Division
1. Levi Hartschuh
2. Ethan Martin
3. Payton Miller
4. Rachel Cox
5. Bryton Vaughn
Junior Division
1. Livia Leonhart
2. Trenton Vaughn
3. Kenny Utz
4. Owen Lawson
5. Emma Steiger
Results for show
Reserve Champion Dairy-Doe Type: Layton Miller
Champion Dairy-Doe Type: Nathan Kalb
Reserve Champion Meat-Type Doe: Sydney Harris
Champion Meat-Type Doe: Ethan Burkhart
Reserve Champion Dairy Market Kid: Nathanael Harris
Champion Dairy Market Kid: Jessica Cramer
Reserve Lightweight Champion: Lyndie Williams
Lightweight Champion: Allison Stahl
Reserve Middleweight Champion: Alexus Burkhart
Midweight Champion: Kelsey Williams
Reserve Heavy Weight Champion: Megan Gwirtz
Heavy Weight Champion: Kendyl Guinther
Reserve Champion Meat Type Market Kid: Kelsey Williams
Champion Meat Type Market Kid: Kendyl Guinther
Reserve Champion Overall: Kelsey Williams
Grand Champion Overall: Kendyl Guinther