(Click photo for larger image) Left to Right: Give me a hug: Becca Schmiegel, 7, made a friend with a Pygmy Goat at the Porter County 4-H Fair Tuesday afternoon in the Exotic Animal Petting Zoo. Becca’s parents are Kurt and Diane Schmiegel, of Chesterton. The Fair continues through July 31 with 4-H exhibits and competitions, food, rides, commercial exhibits and special attractions.

Exotic animals are on display, up close and personal, at the Porter County 4-H Fair this week. These kids were enjoying a friendly visit with the Zebu, the sacred cow of India, in the Exotic Animals Petting Zoo. Left to right are Sarah, 10, Hannah, 9, and Ian Ranfranz, 5. Their parents are Mark and Joann Ranfranz, of Jackson Township. The Fair continues through July 31 with 4-H exhibits and competitions, food, rides, commercial exhibits and special attractions.

Final touches: Morgan Choucalas puts the bridle on Kallie, her paint mare, Tuesday afternoon at the Porter County 4-H Fair, just before heading into the ring for the Senior English Pleasure competition. Choucalas is a member of the Jackson Volunteers 4-H club. The Porter County Fair continues through July 31 with 4-H exhibits and competitions, food, rides and commercial exhibits.

Two for the show: All ready for the show ring Tuesday afternoon at the Porter County 4-H Fair were equestrians Cecelia Heckman, 16, and Natalie Taylor, 18, both of Jackson Township. Heckman, a seven year 4-H member, is riding her seven year-old paint gelding, Joe. Taylor, a 10 year 4-H member, is aboard Brio, a quarterhorse gelding. The two, both members of the Jackson Volunteers, were heading into the ring for the Senior English Pleasure competition. Taylor has also qualified for the Master Showmanhsip Class, to be held Friday.

(Tribune photo by Margaret L. Willis)

(Tribune photos by Margaret L. Willis)

posted 7/28/2004