The Meeker County Fair brought many visitors to Litchfield this past weekend, July 31-Aug. 3. Area youth participated in 4-H events, winning ribbons and trips to the Minnesota State Fair. Rebecca Atkinson of South Haven is a member of the Kingston North Stars club. She participated in seven different events, including fashion review and rabbit judging. In the fashion review category, Atkinson dressed in a western-styled outfit. She wore stone-washed jeans and a denim jacket completed with a pink shirt, cowboy hat and brown-fringed purse. For the competition, participants had to interview with judges about their outfits. They also put on a fashion show for their parents. Atkinson explained that she was inspired to try a western look during a recent trip to Denver, Colo., with the Litchfield Marching Band. Bunny Ed is best of show With her senior buck mini-Rex rabbit, Ed, Atkinson received a “Best of Show” rating. The judges looked over each animal, checking their ears, teeth, and fur quality. The judges also checked the animals’ poise. “Rabbits should sit like a round ball with their head aligned on top of the body,” said Atkinson. Ed, the light-brown bunny, completely impressed the judges, which was beneficial for Atkinson. “I was really excited [when I found out Ed won Grand Champion].” Atkinson said. “It was an added bonus to get ‘Best of Show.’” Atkinson has been involved with 4-H for 12 years. The 4-H spirit runs through the Atkinson household. “My mom (Linda) was involved with 4-H [as a youngster]. She was in the Lake Betsy Stepping Stones club, which was a chapter in Meeker County. She competed with her pigs and did very well.” Atkinson plans to be involved with 4-H for two more years. She said she has had many positive experiences as a member. “Being in 4-H teaches kids about who they want to be. It gets kids involved with the community.” Atkinson will bring her fashion review project and Ed the rabbit to the State Fair at the end of this month. 4-H members from throughout the state will participate for state awards. The fair begins Thursday, Aug. 21 and runs through Labor Day.
