Colusa County Fair is all about 4-H, FFA and farming
The Colusa County Fair is in full swing with fast rides, bright lights and fun food, but behind the scenes is a community deeply steeped in the agricultural world.
More that 500 animals are part of this year’s fair, and a small city of trailers, RVs and tents pop up ahead of the event so Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs can get their animals settled before taking them to competition and market.
Ethan Lay, 13, took his swine, Dingbat, to market on Saturday and only got $11 per pound but was still happy about the experience.
“It’s still good, but I wanted to get more,” Lay said. “At times, it’s hard raising a big animal, but I’ve learned from my older sisters.”
Lay, a member of the Colusa 4-H Club, said his older siblings have been helpful, and he likes helping younger children learn about animals.
His mother, Jenny Lay, grew up in Colusa but never joined any of the clubs as a student.
“My friends tried to talk me into doing this every year, and I always said, ‘No,’” Lay said. “But when my kids asked me to do it, I supported them.”
She said they do all the hard work, and she helps by driving them around.
“I’m just the driver,” Lay said. “It’s a very supportive program. The leaders are very helpful, so it’s not hard when you have responsible kids and strong leadership.”
Logan Forry, with Colusa FFA, said he looks forward to the fair experience every year.
“This is honestly one of my favorite weeks of the year because I get to see everyone I know who has raised animals,” Forry, 15, of Colusa said.