The Big Ones
The first day of the Iowa State Fair was held yesterday, and in many respects, the judging during day one is the biggest of the event…literally.
The Big Ram contest was held…and “Rascal”–a Dorset ram from Shell Rock—took first place, weighing in at 437 pounds. The third place finisher was also from Shell Rock…must be something in the water over there.
Meanwhile, the Big Boar title was taken by “Sasquatch”–a Red Wattle boar weighing 1,012 pounds…easily outpacing its nearest competitor by more than 100 pounds.
And don’t mess with “Mean Gene”–a Charolais bull from New Virginia, which topped the scales at 3,060 pounds…that’s a ton and a half. And “Mean Gene” topped its nearest rival by 300 pounds to win the title of “Super Bull” this year.
The three giants will be on display at the Sheep, Swine, and Cattle barns through the end of the fair on August 20th.
Another one of the attractions at this year’s fair will be the large number of presidential candidates traipsing through the fairgrounds…some doing the newspaper soapbox, some doing the Governor’s “fair-side chats”…but virtually everyone being photographed trying awkwardly to eat something on a stick.
By my count, 16 different candidates will be at the fair at least one day…that includes 14 Republicans and 2 Democrats. Not surprisingly, those ignoring Iowa are Chris Christie, and Joe Biden.
No, you can’t find a day where there won’t be at least one of them there. Yes, I have already heard all the jokes about “Super Bull” associated with the candidate appearances.
