Supporting the Future: 4-H & FFA at Madera Fair

On September 1st through 7th, Minarets High School participated in the local Madera Fair. Despite scorching temperatures, reaching 106 degrees on Monday, students powered through the busy and exciting week. FFA members presented a variety of animals such as steers, swine, goats, lambs, rabbits and turkeys. On Wednesday, the fair hosted a market showing where students competed by presenting their animals to a judge. The event focuses on the quality and condition of the animal itself, and it's a competition between other schools. Thursday featured showmanship which shifted to the students and how well they can present their animal, their personal appearance, and how they can handle their animal in the ring.

Congratulations to our outstanding FFA exhibitors! A huge shout-out to Marisa Sheehan for earning FFA Breed Champion in both Dark Cross and Duroc. Congratulations also to Cooper Odom for getting 2nd in class. And a special recognition to Tenley Bigelow for earning outstanding beef exhibitor for her excellent performance in the beef category. We are so proud of the hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication shown by all of our students at Madera Fair. 

We also got the chance to enjoy a fun dance battle with younger kids, which soon turned into line dancing with students from other schools. It was more than just dancing—it became a way to bond, make lasting memories, and build new friendships at the fair. As Tenley Bigelow shared, one of the best parts of the week was “getting to hang out with friends while doing what I love.”

There were many opportunities to connect with others beyond competition whether through dancing, listening to music, playing cards, and going out to grab food together. It was a perfect mix of fun and moments that brought everyone together.

Written by Hailey Nelson

Edited by Josephina Emerson

Photos by Hailey Nelson