Rachel Kehr and her four siblings all raise and auction off market pigs and chickens each year as part of the 4-H program. It’s been a family affair for almost as long as they can remember.

"I’ve been involved in the 4-H for 10 years now and this is my last year showing and raising pigs," Kehr said. "I’m really excited to go back to the fair and show in the show ring for one last time."

What You Need To Know

  • New York State will allow county fairs to run this year

  • 4-H members can return to their normal practice of showing and auctioning animals they've raised at county fairs

  • The Kehr family of Erie County has five siblings who all participate each year

Every day, they’re in charge of feeding these animals, giving them proper bedding and making sure they’re ready for the stage at the Erie County Fair in August. They consider the fair like a family vacation, something they look forward to each year.

"It’s very rewarding when our pigs place well in the shows and we do well in the auction," Kehr added. "We really appreciate all the support from the potential bidders and buyers and everyone who comes to the fair to see the 4-H’ers and support the 4-H’ers. It really means a lot to us."

But that experience was much different last summer. With the fair canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the animal showcase became a virtual one as they used video to auction off their hard work.

"It was really challenging not having a fair last year," she said. "It was really hard on the 4-Hers preparing for the virtual auction not knowing what was going to happen."

But now things are slowly getting back to normal. New York State gave the green light to county fairs to run this year, so the Kehr family is back to business as usual and the excitement is building.

"I love showing pigs," Kehr said. "It’s like my favorite thing to do. This is my summer. I love showing the pigs and such and enjoyment to see them grow and the experiences at the Erie County Fair are amazing."

And as they look back at fond memories of years gone by, they’re looking forward to making more of them this summer, together as a family.

"It’s so much fun having my siblings out walking our pigs and preparing for the show," Kehr said.

And showtime for the Kehr family will be here before they know it.

About 350 kids are involved a variety of projects in the Erie County 4-H program this year. The market auctions for livestock at the Erie County Fair are August 14 and 22.