In exactly one month, the Lawrence County Fair will open its gates for another year of rides, food and family fun.

But possibly the most celebrated events at the fair will be the 4-H and Future Farmers of America livestock shows. And even though the shows are still a month away, those children and teens will have months of work logged in preparation.

Last week, some of those 4-H and FFA children picked up their baby chicks from the extension office at the county courthouse.

Taking care of the newborn chicks will be a true test of the dedication these children have for their clubs and the commitment to see a task through to the end. Raising an animal is no simple task and should not be taken lightly, regardless of the fact they will be sold to market.

Year after year the 4-H and FFA clubs show how committed our county’s youth are to learning about and caring for livestock. They get out in the arena and give their best efforts at showing animals as small as chicken and rabbits and as large as steers and hogs.

If you know a child who is spending their summer break raising an animal and training for the county fair, give them some words of encouragement.

Only a few children will take home top prizes, but each and every one of them are winners for sticking with a worthwhile project that teaches responsibility and life skills.