Chase Denney, 10, of Miller Family Farm in Lowellville with Faye as Mario Saves the Day Cow Costime contest.

CANFIELD — Children had a busy day Sunday at the Canfield Fair with many helping to decorate cows and showcase the goats and poultry they have been taking care of.

The Canfield Fair concludes today after kicking off last Wednesday. The fair is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The 40th annual Dress a Cow contest took place at the cattle arena with 13 children who are members of the Moff family, of Beloit, taking part in the event.

Brian Moff, who was walking the family’s cow “Sunshine” around the arena in the miscellaneous dairy category, was accompanied by 13 children. Family members had gotten together for the Labor Day weekend and included relatives from Fulton and Lima and others from Massachusetts.

Moff said the team decorated the cow as “Bingo” and each child as a character from the television show “Bluey.”

Heidi Lukens, of Massachusetts, said the family was all together for Labor Day weekend and entered the cow decorating contest

“We were trying to think of a theme that had enough characters for all the kids to be involved. My kids love watching Bluey and so do their cousins.” Lukens said.

Other teams had their cows dressed for the theme “Building Better Beef” to promote beef, while another team was dressed for “Mario Saves the Day” from the popular video game and cartoon character.

Other teams had cows dressed as vikings and superheroes.

SHOWING GOATS

Nearby, children and teens were being judged on how they cared for and showcased their goats and answering questions about the animals.

The goat show featured Nigerian dwarf dairy goats.

Isabella Zamaria of Liberty, who was with her goat “Roxie,” said she prepares for the competition by taking part in a skill-a thon which tests what each goat owner knows.

“My 4-H advisor has helped me a lot because this is my first year. I have also been studying a lot,” Zamaria said.

She said the weather and being in a different environment also affects how each goat acts.

Some goats were standing quietly and refused to move and some began jumping in different directions.

Charlotte Lannoye, of Berlin Center, said goats sometimes “have rough days and will not always cooperate.”

She said her goat “Lily” had a rough day.

“My goat did a backflip in the ring. I was not happy with that,” she said.

Lannoye said she likes showing goats and knows that doing her best with the goats will help them win ribbons.

“It’s fun to show goats. I have also made new friends who also show goats,”‘ she said.

Ava Timko, of Canfield, was showing her goat “Montana” and received second place.

“I was in the showmanship category and a lot is how you handle your animal and also how much you know about goats,” Timko said.

She said the overall well-being of the goats is looked at.

Timko said the judges also ask each goat owner to identify the different body parts of a goat, which she said was easy.

She said she has raised other animals and goats are a little easier than others.

Other children were showing the different poultry they have been raising.

For the junior fair poultry showmanship, each child showed his or her rooster or chicken and answered judges’ questions.

Scarlette Salvatore, of Poland, was showing her rooster “Adam.”

“I always make sure I am ready and tell myself to do my best. I did a lot of studying to answer the judges’ questions,” Salvatore siad.

Elyise Marentic, of New Springfield, was showing her rooster “Jack.”

“We do practice tests, which help prepare for the show,” she said.

Gabriella Ware, of North Lima, was showing “Mia.”

“I studied and prepared a lot. The judges ask you all kinds of questions about the birds and how I have taken care of them,” she said.

Have an interesting news story? Email Bob Coupland at bcoupland@tribtoday.com.