UPDATE: Excitement is reaching a fever pitch at Evergreen Acres Tree Farm as the Schuylkill County Fair approaches, with preparations underway right now. The Shealer family—Paul, Pam, and their children Chloe, 15; Cooper, 12; and Carter, 8—are all hands on deck, showcasing the vibrant spirit of local farming.
Chloe is currently grooming Whiskey, her impressive 1,400-pound purebred Angus steer, while Cooper tends to his Brown Swiss dairy calf. The siblings are also managing their feeding schedules for Fireball and Malibu, their hefty hogs, as they aim for blue ribbons in the 4-H club competition. The pressure is on, as pigs sometimes require dieting to meet class weight limits.
Meanwhile, young Carter, who just missed the cutoff to compete this year, is busy plotting his strategies for the unofficial fair game of Manhunt, already eyeing potential hiding spots around the farm. The Shealers are not just preparing for a competition; they are also nurturing a legacy of values learned through hard work and dedication.
“It’s a good learning experience when you care for animals as infants and see them grow into adults,” said Paul, emphasizing the importance of responsibility as his children engage in the fair preparations.
The Shealer family’s roots run deep in the Schuylkill County community. Paul, 40, reminisces about his own childhood experiences at fairs, having raised animals and brought home multiple blue ribbons. Pam, who grew up on a dairy farm, shares similar stories of her 4-H days, reinforcing the family tradition that continues today.
Chloe has raised Whiskey from a 600-pound calf to his current weight in just nine months, showcasing not only her dedication but also the unique bond formed between them. “It’s a lot more responsibility,” Chloe admits, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of showing livestock.
As they prepare for the fair, the Shealers are not just focused on competition but also on community. “Our kids will be competing with kids whose parents we competed with when we were kids,” Pam pointed out, highlighting the intergenerational connections fostered at events like the fair.
This year’s Schuylkill County Fair promises to be a gathering spot for families to showcase their hard work, connect with neighbors, and celebrate a way of life steeped in tradition. The anticipation is palpable as families like the Shealers prepare to share their stories and achievements with the community.
As the fair draws near, the Shealers are set to embody the spirit of farming in Schuylkill County. With their diverse experiences and heartfelt dedication, they represent not just the present but also the future of agricultural traditions that have shaped their lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Schuylkill County Fair kicks off. The Shealer family’s journey is just beginning, and the excitement is sure to attract attention from fairgoers and animal lovers alike.