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Swine showmanship a family tradition at fair

Cute contest features 120 little bitty kids hogging the limelight.

Barbara J. Perenic/Staff Report Claire Henry, 5, competes in pewee swine showmanship.

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By Andrea Chaffin, Staff Writer Updated 1:02 AM Saturday, July 23, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — The sounds of squeals and ahs filled the Swine Arena at the peewee showmanship show Friday morning, kicking off the 2011 Clark County Fair with arguably the cutest exhibit of the week.

Observers squeezed their way through the doorways to cheer on about 120 participants, who were all younger than 8, said Senior Fair Board member swine adviser Brian Waddle. Participants spent about an hour a day with their hogs, which is usually significantly bigger than they are, he said.

“The kids weigh about 30 pounds, but these hogs weigh between 200 and 300,” Waddle said. “It takes a lot of practice.”

Debbie Corbitt is no stranger to the arena. After showing hogs for 11 years, the fair queen contest adviser is passing down the tradition to her 4-year-old daughter, Kylie.

“She’s my fair baby,” Corbitt said with a smile.

Kylie has been showing hogs for three years and said she likes almost everything about showing her pig, Buzz.

“Except for when they squeal,” she explained. “And they smell dirty.”

Konner Miller, 7, is in her second year showing pigs, and was “called up” for the first time, meaning she had advanced to the next round.

“You have to smile and look at the judge,” she explained while picking at her purple snakeskin boots. “I knew I did a good job because I kept my pig from going in the wall.”

Penny, Konner’s mother, said all three of her children show hogs and can’t wait for the fair. But since Konner is her only daughter, it’s a bit different. Picking out the perfect showmanship outfit is one of the best parts. “That’s what’s fun for us,” she laughed.

But both families agree on one thing, they said. It’s a family tradition.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0349.

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