JEFFERSON – Green may be the color that’s most associated with 4-H, but “Hearts of Gold” were shining through on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Ashtabula County Fair.
The Fourth Annual Hearts of Gold Livestock Show was held at the Ashtabula County Fairground Show Barn, putting the spotlight on the talents of local people with developmental disabilities as they showed animals in the ring with local 4-H members.
“I think it’s pretty special to give them this opportunity to see what it’s like to be a 4-H member and show animals,” Angela Thomas, community outreach specialist with the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said.
According to Thomas, there were 27 people who receive support services from the Board of DD taking part. They ranged in age from 14 to 65 years old.
Jennie Cole, whose daughter, Maryanna, 9, participated in the Hearts of Gold Livestock Show by showing two rabbits – “Tom and Jerry” – with 4-H members Raine Baughman and Paige Rodgers, said it was very exciting for their family.
“She gets the opportunity to see different new animals and try new things and meet other individuals in the community,” Jennie, who is a service and support administrator for the Board of DD, said.
Maryanna said the experience was fun. She liked the rabbits the best.
Jennie said Maryanna was the only individual showing rabbits this year.
“She likes them because they’re small, you can hold them,” she said. “We really like it (the Hearts of Gold Livestock Show). This is actually our second year doing it.”
Abby Wickline, a 4-H Camp Counselor from Trumbull Township, said she loves the Hearts of Gold Livestock Show.
“They are so happy when they get to show the animals, and it makes me happy, too,” she said.
