Animals rule at McHenry County Fair

It was an exciting day for the 4-Hers, hustling and bustling and guiding their animals to and fro from their stalls to the show rings on Thursday at the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock.

Cheyanne Bierman, 10, of Woodstock - and Hebron Helping Hands 4-H Club member - was showing her steers, Beefstick and Spot.

"It's just fun to walk the steers and see what place you get, and cleaning them," she said when asked what she enjoys about showing. She says her favorite part of the process is selecting the steers she will work with for a year to prep for the next show.

Joy Holian, 11, of Richmond, and her 18-month-old, 1,360-pound steer named Taj Gibson took first place in the Crossbred Steer Class 6 in his weight division. That added to her first-place finish in the open category Wednesday.

Joy's family has been showing and winning at the fair for 38 years, and their winning streak continued with her brother, Hughie, 12, taking the Grand Champion award. Joy's parents, Chris and Dennis, have had their seven children in 4-H, and now have grandchildren showing, too.

"The fair is their favorite time of the year," she said. "They're not only winning, but they're meeting so many new friends. And learning how to work hard is the biggest thing. But they love it."

Seconds later, Chris' granddaughter, Faith Holian, 10, of Richmond, took Reserve Grand Champion Steer in the beef show.

For a schedule of events through Sunday, go to mchenrycountyfair.com.