UPDATE: The atmosphere at Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in Auburn is electric as the Schuylkill County Fair rapidly approaches. The Shealer family is consumed with excitement as they prepare for the events set to kick off next week.
The Shealer children are in high spirits, showcasing their dedication to their livestock. Chloe Shealer, 15, is meticulously grooming her 1,400-pound purebred Angus steer, named Whiskey. Meanwhile, her brother Cooper, 12, is busy washing his Brown Swiss dairy calf in anticipation of the competition. Their younger brother, Carter, 8, is eagerly planning for next year’s fair after missing the registration deadline this year.
This week, the children are also adjusting feeding schedules for their hefty hogs, Fireball and Malibu, as they aim for blue ribbons in the 4-H club competitions. “Pigs sometimes need to go on a diet to meet weight limits,” Chloe noted, emphasizing the rigorous preparations that go into these events.
As the fair draws near, the Shealers reflect on the lessons of responsibility and hard work that have been passed down through generations. Paul Shealer, 40, a dairy consultant and Christmas tree farmer, expressed, “Caring for animals from infancy to adulthood is an invaluable experience.”
Chloe, who has raised Whiskey from a 600-pound calf to his current weight, admits that managing such a large animal is daunting but rewarding. “It’s a lot more responsibility,” she told reporters, highlighting the growth she’s experienced in the process.
Paul and Pam, who took over Evergreen Acres from his parents in 2022, fondly remember their own childhoods spent at fairs. Pam, who has attended county fairs since she was just one year old, remarked, “They learn hard work, responsibility, and confidence each year.”
The anticipation is palpable as the community gears up for the fair, which serves as a vital gathering place for farm families. “Our kids will be competing with kids whose parents we competed with when we were young,” Pam added, emphasizing the enduring ties within the farming community.
As the Shealer family continues their preparations, they remain committed to instilling values of hard work and dedication in their children, ensuring that the spirit of the fair and the lessons learned continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Schuylkill County Fair opens its gates next week, promising a vibrant celebration of local agriculture and community spirit.
