Local leaders and celebrities will join 4-H youth during the Round Robin Showmanship Competition at the 84th Eagle County Fair and Rodeo on Friday, July 28, at 5:00 p.m. in the Eagle River Center at the County Fairgrounds. 

“Our youth livestock exhibitors develop business and leadership skills, in addition to learning what it takes to raise a young animal to be market-ready,” said Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry. “4-H members are our next generation of community leaders. It is an honor to witness their dedication and support their efforts, although it’s a bit daunting to step into their boots and show their championship animals.”

Participating celebrities include:

• Kathy Chandler, Henry, Eagle County Commissioner, Chair
• Katie Jarnot, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Eagle County School District
• Heidi McCollum, District Attorney, 5th Judicial District
• Ern Mooney, Fair and Rodeo Advisory Council Member and 4H Supporter
• Liz Mooney, Amazing 4H Supporter
• Chris Romer, President and CEO, Vail Valley Partnership
• Denyse Schrenker, Horticulture/Small Acreage Management Extension Agent
• Allegra Waterman-Snow, Eagle County Conservation District Tech  

During the Round Robin Showmanship Competition participants will show in teams of two. In each round beef, sheep, goats, and pigs will be shown for three minutes, then rotated to the next species until all four species of animals have been shown. The animals exhibited in the Celebrity Round Robin have already been judged on their build, structure, conformation, muscling, and fat thickness and awarded Grand Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons. They will also be the animals to sell first in the auction the following day. 

In a Round Robin, the owner of the animal is judged on how well they present their animal. Evaluations include how clean and well trained (calm, cooperative, gentle) the animal is, and how well the person handles each animal. The judge may ask presenters questions about the animal they are showing or about the livestock industry in general. The top two presenters will receive beautiful belt buckles. 

The youth raising livestock purchase their own animals, either in the fall (beef) or spring (pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits or poultry). Once a 4-H member turns 8 years old, they are able to show any species of animal. Every member is allowed to sell two different species of animals in the Junior Livestock Auction. In order to be eligible to sell, the animal must meet a specific weight requirement and earn either a blue or red ribbon in the competition.

The Colorado 4-H Program has a variety of projects to offer youth, ages 5-18. The Eagle County program currently has 247 4-H members and 57 adult volunteers. Enrollment for the 2023-2024 4-H season will open October 15, 2023. All 4-H members must enroll online http://colorado.4honline.com.

If you have questions about participating in Eagle County 4-H or the enrollment process, contact Jenny Leonetti at jenny.leonetti@eaglecounty.us or 970-328-8631.