Three Union County 4-H youths proudly represented their county at the inaugural Eastern Region Goat Show, held at the Tennessee Valley Fair last month.
Competing for the first time in this prestigious event, these young participants demonstrated skill, dedication and sportsmanship across multiple categories.
In the Showmanship competition:
- Madison Cole earned 2nd place in the Senior Level I division.
- Briar Smith secured 4th place in the Junior Level division.
- Reed Reno captured 3rd place in the Explorer Level division.
- Ella and Henley DeWitt received participation recognition in the Pee Wee Level.
In the Commercial Doe category, Madison Cole claimed 2nd place.
In addition, Union County participants excelled in the Skillathon:
- Reed Reno placed 3rd in the Explorer Level.
- Briar Smith claimed 1st place in the Junior Level.
- Madison Cole took 2nd place in the Senior Level I.
The 4-H youth also delivered strong performances in the Premier Exhibitor competition:
- Reed Reno won in the Mini Division for Explorer Level.
- Briar Smith won in the Mini Division for Junior Level.
- Madison Cole won in the Registered Division for Senior Level I.
In addition to the competitive events, there was a special costume contest for both the handlers and their goats. All participants received a participation award. Briar Smith transformed into Shaggy, alongside his goat Scooby, while Madison Cole’s goat was adorned as a hula girl, Henley DeWitt dressed as Elsa with her goat Sven the reindeer from Frozen, and Ella DeWitt dressed as Jasmine, accompanied by her goat Rajah the tiger from Aladdin.
A special thank you goes out to S&A Hidden Gem Acres in Washburn for allowing the Pee Wee, Explorer, and Junior Union County 4-H members to show their goats.
Union County’s strong performance at the Eastern Region Goat Show reflects the dedication and hard work of these young exhibitors, who continue to make their county proud. The 4-H community looks forward to seeing their future successes!