Goats, cows, mini-horses, they're all there at 4-H fair
Hazel Maxim, 9, of Middleboro, with mini-horse Daisy. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Nolan Leahy and Scottish Highland cow Alden drew a lot of attention. 
Eliza Haines, 11, of Rochester, brushes her 15-month-old cow Darla.
Cathy Smith of Middleboro and grandchild Rowen Madden, 2, make friends with six-month-old goats Waffle and Fig. 
Hope Healy, left, admissions coordinator for Bristol County Agricultural High School, and senior Lindel Tucker spread the word about the school.
Parents Jen and Ed Gadbois with children Marcus, 13, and Callie, 9. 
A chicken checks out a visitor. 
What's up doc?
Hazel Maxim, 9, of Middleboro, with mini-horse Daisy. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Nolan Leahy and Scottish Highland cow Alden drew a lot of attention.
Eliza Haines, 11, of Rochester, brushes her 15-month-old cow Darla.
Cathy Smith of Middleboro and grandchild Rowen Madden, 2, make friends with six-month-old goats Waffle and Fig.
Hope Healy, left, admissions coordinator for Bristol County Agricultural High School, and senior Lindel Tucker spread the word about the school.
Parents Jen and Ed Gadbois with children Marcus, 13, and Callie, 9.
A chicken checks out a visitor.
What's up doc?
MIDDLEBORO -- Ask 4-H parent Tom Leahy what he most likes about the organization and he answers quickly and with a smile.
“How much time do you have?’’
Young people and families involved in 4-H gathered Saturday and Sunday Sept. 6 and 7 at the fairgrounds on Thompson Street for the 75th East Middleboro 4-H Fair.
The fair, which is totally volunteer-run, allowed young people to showcase their skills at animal care, arts and crafts, dog training and other abilities.
For Leahy, honing these abilities helps young people mature.
“I love that they really encourage kids to do the work themselves,’’ Leahy said. “They’re teaching them really important life skills, teamwork and to be proud of their accomplishments. It’s awesome.’’
His son Nolan was showing a Scottish Highland cow named Alden that he helps to care for.
“I like agriculture a lot,’’ the 11-year-old said. “I was introduced when I was five. I’ve always loved cows, specifically. I like bigger animals. They’re really sweet when you get to know them.’’
Cows were just one of the animals featured at the fair. Goats, chickens, rabbits and miniature horses were shown by their young owners.
Eliza Haines, 11, of Rochester, said she enjoys caring for her 15-month-old cow Darla.
“Cows are fun to take care of,’’ she said as she brushed Darla. “If they’re laying down, you can lay down with them and scratch them. You form a special bond.’’
Brenda Easter, who co-chairs the event with Christine Hoyt, said the fair was going well. She was grateful for the weather, which was primarily sunny and not exceptionally hot.
She was pleased that the fair offered a variety of features, including a chili cookoff, book tent, country store and auction in addition to the animal displays.
The fair, she said, unites people. “We have a real sense of community,’’ she said.
And longevity. She said she knows of families that have been involved in 4-H for generations. When the older members reunited, “they get together and laugh and joke and hug. It’s so nice.’’
While Tom Leary needed time to explain his enthusiasm for 4-H, Hazel Maxim, 9, of Middleboro, who was showing mini-horse Daisy, summed up the experience in one word.
“Cool.’’
