Good times at the county fair? Think Vintage Showmanship

<p>Senior showmanship winners like Kyle Eathington got to serve as judges for the Vintage Showmanship Contest at the Fulton County Fair, talking with “vintage” exhibitors such as Robert Knott.</p>

<p>Costumes were optional, and so were actual live cattle, too, apparently.</p>

<p>Amanda Powell’s calf’s name was Lamby.</p>

<p>Phil Dare showed up dressed to impress.</p>

<p>Chris Janssen, aka Jose, came ready to compete.</p>

<p>Sheri Bennett kept her eye on the judges.</p>

<p>Can’t think of a costume? Lonna Porter came in her running clothes!</p>

<p>Kevin Roberts went for the not-so-subtle approach.</p>

<p>Robyn Hendel rode for the brand, her employer Earlybird Show Feeds.</p>

<p>Gary Tompkins didn’t spend much time in the ring before the judges disqualified him.</p>

<p>He wasn’t very sneaky.</p>

<p>Hereford breeder Robert Knott tucked a photo into his harness of himself exhibiting the 1977 Fulton County Fair champion heifer. When asked about that champion, he delivered a full pedigree.</p>

<p>Erin Featherlin delivered an award-winning performance of Showmanship Barbie, complete with giant bow, phone and gum.</p>

<p>In case judge Grant Bedel missed her message, Robyn Hendel tried to be abundantly clear.</p>

<p>Chris Janssen had a fitting crew come in to help him out — except they fit the showman, not the animal.</p>

<p>Tammy Foose came to the ring as Dora the Explorer.</p>

<p>Grant Bedel was assisted by the four past winners of senior showmanship: Nathan Spangler (2019), Kyle Eathington (2018), Emma Eathington (2016) and Jenna Spangler (2017).</p>

<p>Chris Janssen tried to be clear: “Pick me!” “1st!”</p>

<p>Tammy Bonney came prepared with notes in her back pocket.</p>

<p>And a bribe in her front pocket!</p>

<p>As Jose, Chris Janssen worked hard to get the young judges’ attention. Note: Janssen is superintendent at the school two of those kids attend.</p>

<p>“Head up! Move the front foot! No, the other front foot!” Young people yelled plenty of directions to their parents in the ring.</p>

<p>Tad White came as his favorite 4-H’er.</p>

<p>Erin Featherlin was almost too busy texting and Facetiming to show her steer.</p>

<p>Rob Janssen came in the ring for too much assistance to his dad, Chris.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tom Janssen tried to make it abundantly clear who the winner should be.</p>

<p>After two heats, the finalists all got a shot at the microphone, where junior beef judge Grant Bedel asked each how long they’d shown at the Fulton County Fair. Suffice to say, Lonna Porter had some stories to tell.</p>

<p>Kevin Roberts seemed confused about which species he was prepared to show that day.</p>

<p>Not one to be distracted by the actual show or competition, Erin Featherlin asked the judge to wave to her friends and family on Facetime.</p>

<p>The finalists are all lined up head to tail and awaiting the judges’ deliberation.</p>

<p>Tad White, aka Freddy 4-H’er, took home reserve champion honors.</p>

<p>Sheri Bennett took home the top prize, dedicating her win to her sister, Sue, who passed away earlier this year and who was the first Sunrise Showmanship Winner at the Fulton County Fair, 50 years ago.</p>

<p>Showmanship Barbie Erin Featherlin leaned in for a selfie with Champion Vintage Showman Sheri Bennett.</p>

<p>The final prize for “Most Room for Improvement” went to Chris Janssen as Jose. Silly string had already deployed, so the judges decided it was a fitting way to tell Chris he’d won. Again, this is their superintendent.</p>

<p>Sure, the winner of Senior Showmanship gets a show stick, a cash prize and all the glory. But they also get to judge Vintage Showmanship, and for these four, that may be the best prize of all. They are Nathan Spangler (left), Jenna Spangler, Emma Eathington and Kyle Eathington.</p>