Excitement surrounds fair

BLOOMINGTON – If you take a stroll through Cloverleaf Hall on opening day of the McLean County Fair in Bloomington, you will notice the excitement on the faces of youngsters.

Bradley Metivier is spending his first year in 4-H doing a wildlife exhibit and showing dogs and cattle.

“I like showing cows,” Metivier said during the fair’s opening day Wednesday. “They’re just really cool animals and they’re awesome.”

Grace McCully of Hudson is showing multiple sheep breeds this week. McCully has shown in Louisville, Kentucky and at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. She has friends who show cattle, horses and pigs.

“I really enjoy working all summer to prepare my sheep and finally getting to have all my hard work pay off.”

Many of the fair participants have been busy trying to beat the heat and take care of their animals while they’re at it. Allie Kooby of LeRoy makes sure her horses are properly hydrated during the day. Her chores include feeding the animals and making sure stalls are clean.

“I get to hang with friends and I get to ride,” Kooby said.

Judging of exhibits took place Wednesday and the various livestock shows are underway throughout the week. The McLean County Fair runs through Sunday at the Interstate Center grounds just west of Bloomington.