By Matt de Simone
Botetourt residents and friends packed Buchanan Town Park over the weekend as another successful Botetourt County Fair entertained and educated those in attendance.
The annual event provides a chance for guests of all ages to learn more about the Botetourt’s agriculture community, 4-H programs, and the provisions provided by local farmers.
Visitors were able to shop from local vendors, the younger attendees were entertained with a automated bull ring and kids corral, and adults had the opportunity to participate in a food walk for an Eztler ham.
Saturday’s vendors and organizations in attendance included Roanoke Master Gardeners, Mountain Castles, Friends of NRA, Chic Cowgirl, Buchanan Lions Club, Wildwood Workshop, Wellfarm Vets, Valley Vet Goods, Nona’s Friendship Bread, Jacob Martin Woodworking, Grumpaw’s Tackle, Greater Roanoke Workforce, Va. Farm Bureau, Rockingham Cooperative, Brogan Maintenance, Paul Jesteadt Honey Products, Alans Woodcraft, Beaver Dam Farm, and Brandy Franklin Tie Dye.
One of the big highlights of the weekend featured the annual livestock show and homemaking contest. The livestock show consisted of six categories and multiple presenters. Here are the results:
2023 Botetourt County Fair Youth Livestock Show
SWINE SHOW
- Champion Intermediate Showman: Schylar Zollman
- Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman: Gracie Stull
- Champion Junior Showman: Sawyer Zollman
- Reserve Champion Junior Showman: Stella Zollman
- Third Place Junior Showman: Nick Meyer
- Champion Novice Showman: Noah Meyer
Market Hogs Class 1:
- 1st: Schylar Zollman
- 2nd: Stella Zollman
Market Hogs Class 2:
- 1st: Sawyer Zollman
- 2nd: Stella Zollman
Market Hogs Class 3:
- 1st: Sawyer Zollman
- 2nd: Noah Meyer
Market Hogs Class 4:
- 1st: Gracie Stull
- 2nd: Nick Meyer
- Champion Market Hog: Sawyer Zollman
- Reserve Champion Market Hog: Stella Zollman
- Best of Botetourt Swine: Sawyer Zollman
BEEF SHOW
- Champion Senior Showman: Shanna Adkins
- Champion Intermediate Showman: Ethan Furrow
- Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman: Schylar Zollman
- Champion Junior Showman: Wren Manbeck
- Champion Novice Showman: Layton Lily
- Champion Senior Heifer Calf: Ethan Furrow
- Reserve Senior Heifer Calf: Wren Manbeck
- Champion Senior Commercial Heifer: Layton Lily
- Champion Senior Yearling Hereford Heifer: Shanna Adkins
- Grand Champion Female: Ethan Furrow
- Reserve Champion Female: Wren Manbeck
- Grand Champion Market Steer: Schylar Zollman
- Reserve Champion Market Steer: Layton Lily
- Best of Botetourt Beef: Wren Manbeck
DAIRY SHOW
- Champion Intermediate Showman: Colton Bennett
- Champion Junior Showman: Addison Kelly
- Reserve Champion Junior Showman: Mavis Martel
- Third Place Junior Showman: Jasmine Montgomery
- Champion Novice Showman: Elle Wadkins
- Reserve Champion Novice Showman: Averie Chisom
- Third Place Novice Showman: Avery Kelly
Dairy Heifers Class 1:
- 1st: Colton Bennett
- 2nd: Juliana Hatch
Dairy Heifers Class 2:
- 1st: Jasmine Montgomery
- 2nd: Mavis Martel
Dairy Heifers Class 3:
- 1st: Avery Kelly
- 2nd: Addison Kelly
- Champion Dairy Female: Elle Wadkins
- Reserve Champion Dairy Female: Colton Bennett
- Best of Botetourt Dairy: Jasmine Montgomery
LAMB SHOW
- Champion Senior Showman: Drew Whitson
- Champion Junior Showman: Riley Potter
- Champion Novice Showman: Layton Lily
- Champion Commercial Ewe: Riley Potter
- Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe: Riley Potter
- Champion Market Lamb: Riley Potter
- Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Layton Lily
- Best of Botetourt Lamb: Drew Whitson
GOAT SHOW
- Champion Intermediate Showman: Schylar Zollman
- Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman: Katie Grace Barrett
- Champion Junior Showman: Wyatt Manbeck
- Reserve Champion Junior Showman: Wren Manbeck
- Third Place Junior Showman: Stella Zollman
Commercial Does Class 1:
- 1st: Wren Manbeck
- 2nd: Stella Zollman
Commercial Does Class 2:
- 1st: Wyatt Manbeck
- 2nd: Schylar Zollman
- Grand Champion Commercial Doe: Wyatt Manbeck
- Reserve Champion Commercial Doe: Wren Manbeck
Market Goat Class 1:
- 1st: Schylar Zollman
- 2nd: Katie Grace Barrett
- Champion Market Goat: Schylar Zollman
- Reserve Champion Market Goat: Katie Grace Barrett
- Best of Botetourt Goat: Wren Manbeck
POULTRY CHAIN CONFIRMATION
- Grand Champion: Best Pen of 3 and Best Individual Pullet: Owen Jeter
- Reserve Champion: Best Pen of 3 and Best Individual Pullet: Riley Martino
- Third: Best Pen of 3 and Best Individual Pullet: Sedley Jeter
Poultry Chain Showmanship, Juniors
- Grand Champion Showmanship: Stella Zollman
- Reserve Champion Showmanship: Sawyer Zollman
- Third: Kenzie LaVenture
Poultry Chain Showmanship, Intermediate
- Grand Champion Showmanship: Schylar Zollman
- Reserve Champion Showmanship: Sawyer Zollman
- Third: Katie Grace Barrett
Open Poultry Conformation, American Division
- Grand Champion: Plymouth Barred Rock Rooster, Shea Wilson
- Reserve Champion: Americauna, Ashley Whitson
Open Poultry Conformation, Bantam Division
- Grand Champion; Silkie Bantam, Blakely Whitson
Open Poultry Conformation, Asiatic Division
- Grand Champion: Brahma, Riley Martino
- Reserve Champion: Brahma, Charlotte Brock
Open Poultry Showmanship, Junior
- Grand Champion: Blakely Whitson
Open Poultry Showmanship, Intermediate
- Grand Champion: Charlotte Brock
Photos by Matt de Simone
“The Farm House,” located inside of the Community House on Lowe Street hosted the homemaking contest. Approximately 10 divisions made up several categories of homemaking items. Below are the contest results.
2023 Botetourt County Fair Homemaking Contest
Division 1: Baked Goods
Class 1: Cookies
Cloverbud:
- Brooklyn Focht, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Green
Open:
- Kelly Denison, Oatmeal Raisin Cream Pies, Blue
- Jenna Lawrence, Peach Cobbler Cookies, Blue
- Kim Martin, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Red
- Colleen Lewis, Brownie Bars, Red
- Kim Martin, Ginger Crackles, White
- Emily Zollman, Preacher Cookies, White
Class 2: Cakes (Not Iced or Decorated)
Open:
- Grace Parker, Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, Red
- Jordan Lawrence, Peach Pound Cake, Red
Class 3: Iced Cakes
Youth:
- Wren Manbeck, Candy Bar Cake, Blue
Class 4: Pies
Open:
- Kim Lawrence, German Chocolate Pie, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Roxanne Smith, Apple Pie, White
Class 5: Yeast Breads
Open:
- Lindsey Brock, Wheat Loaf, Blue
- Kyla Foster, Sourdough Loaf, Red
- Karen Trembley, Sicilian Peasant Loaf, Red
Class 6: Quick Breads
Open:
- Katie Jones, Blueberry Muffins, Blue
- Kelly Denison, Banana Nut Muffins, Red
- Jane Huff, Zucchini Bread, Red
- Kim Lawrence, Lemon Zucchini Bread, Red
Division 2 : Canned and Preserved Goods
Class 1: Apple Butter
Open:
- Lindsey Brock, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Lori Martin, Blue
- Grace Parker, Red
- Treva Campbell, Red
Class 2: Jams
Open:
- Jamie Barnett, Peach Jalapeno Jam, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Jenna Lawrence, No Sugar Added Strawberry Jam, Blue
- Jennifer Montgomery, Pepper Jam, Blue
- Emily Bailey, Peach Bourbon Jam, Blue
- Pat Jasper, Blueberry Lemon Honey Jam, Red
Class 3: Jellies
Open:
- Lindsey Brock, Strawberry Jelly, Blue
Class 5: Cucumber Pickles
Youth:
- Alexandra Bona, Dill Pickles, Blue
Open:
- Michelle Wolven, Spicy Dill Pickles, Blue
- Amy White, Lime Pickles, Blue
- Whitney Hogan, Sweet Pickles, Blue
- Clara Holland, Dill Pickles, Red
- Jennifer Montgomery, Bread & Butter Pickles, Red
- Jane Huff,Sweet Pickles, Red
- Lindsey Brock, Dill, Red
Class 6: Other Pickled Items
Open:
- Whitney Hogan, Beets, Blue
- Amy White, Beets, Red
- Amy White, Okra, Red
Class 8: Canned Vegetables
Open:
- Michelle Wolven, Stew Tomatoes, Blue, Best In Show, Best of Botetourt
- Jane Huff, Green Beans, Blue
- Amy White, Green Beans, Blue
- Michelle Wolven, Salsa, Blue
- Michelle Wolven, Green Beans, Blue
- Whitney Hogan, Tomatoes, Red
- Treva Campbell, Green Beans, Red
Class 9: Canned Fruits
Open:
- Lindsey Brock, Peaches, Blue
Division 3 : Honey
Class 1: Liquid Honey
Cloverbud:
- Shea Whitson, Green
Youth:
- Grant Gilbert, Blue
- Blakely Whitson, Red
Open:
- Jane Huff, Blue, Best of Botetourt, Best in Show
- Sarah Melendy, Blue
Division 4: Needlework and Sewing
Class 1: Needlework
Youth:
- Savannah Lamb, Blue
- Kally Henson, Red
Open:
- Jordan Lawrence, Blue, Best of Botetourt
- Anna Muncy, Blue
- Rena Wright, Blue
- Mary Beth Rush, Blue
- Tricia Kidd, Red
- Kate Stevens, Red
- Brittany Turman, Red
- Treva Campbell, White
- Rosanna Henson, White
Class 2: Sewing
Open:
- Treva Campbell, Red
- Rosanna Henson, Red
Class 3: Machine Quilting
Open:
- Courtney Martini, Blue, Best in Show
- Lori Martin, Blue
- Cathy Henderson, Red
- Susan Bratcher, Red
- Treva Campbell, White
Class 4: Hand Quilting
Open:
- Treva Campbell, Red
Division 5: Crafts
Class 3: Home Décor
Open:
- Jo Edwards, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Katie Jones, Blue
Class 4: Miscellaneous Craft
Youth:
- Schylar Zollman, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Stella Zollman, Blue
- Elowen Anderson, Red
- Laylynn Skyy Nikkole Brammer, Red
Open:
- Jo Edwards, Blue
- Treva Campbell, Red
Division 6: Woodworking
Class 2: Furniture
Youth:
- Kyle Stull, Blue
Class 3: Miscellaneous
Youth:
- Kyle Stull, Red
- Blakely Whitson, Red
Division 7: Photography
Class 1: Black and White Agriculture
Youth:
- Schylar Zollman, Red
- Katie Grace Barrett, Red
Open:
- Chelsea Anderson, Blue
- Emily Zollman, Red
Class 2: Black and White Open
Youth:
- Schylar Zollman, Blue
- Bentley DeMoss, Blue
- Katie Grace Barrett, Red
- Camden DeMoss, Red
- Gracie Stull, Red
- Alexandra Bona, Red
Open:
- Susan DeMoss, Blue, Best in Show
- Chelsea Anderson, Red
Class 3: Color Agriculture
Cloverbud:
- Addy DeMoss, Green
Youth:
- Schylar Zollman, Blue, Best of Botetourt
- Katie Grace Barrett, Red
- Gracie Stull, Red
Open:
- Chelsea Anderson, Blue, Best of Botetourt
- Jenna Lawrence, Blue
Class 4: Color Open
Cloverbud:
- Addy DeMoss, Green
Youth:
- Gracie Stull, Blue, Best in Show
- Bentley DeMoss, Blue
- Katie Grace Barrett, Red
- Alexandra Bona, Red
- Camden DeMoss, Red
- Schylar Zollman, Red
Open:
- Chelsea Anderson, Blue
- Emily Zollman, Red
- Danielle Bona, Red
- Susan DeMoss, Red
- Division 8: Fine Arts
Division 8: Painting & Drawing
Cloverbud:
- Liviana Anderson, Green
- Addy DeMoss, Green
- Samuel Zollman, Green
Youth:
- Layla Bryant, Blue, Best of Botetourt
- Bentley DeMoss, Blue, Best in Show
- Brianna Link, Blue
- Elowen Anderson, Red
Open:
- Susan DeMoss, Blue, Best in Show
- Treva Campbell, Blue, Best of Botetourt
- Jo Edwards, Blue
- Ellen Gilliam, Red
Class 2: Pottery & Sculpture
Youth:
- Elowen Anderson, Red
Division 9: Produce
Class 2: Tomatoes
Open:
- Jennifer Montgomery, Blue
- Jenny Graham, Blue
- Jo Edwards, Red
- Lori Martin, Red
Class 3: Yellow Squash
Open:
- Amy White, Blue
Class 4: Zucchini
Cloverbud:
- Lily Holland, Green
Class 5: Peppers
Open:
- Lori Martin, Blue
- Jennifer Montgomery, Red
Class 8: Vegetable Basket
Open:
- Lori Martin, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Jenny Graham, Blue
Class 9: Miscellaneous Vegetable
Open:
- Amy White, Crowder Peas, Red
- Amy White, Cucumber, Red
- Clara Holland, Cucumber, White
- Amy White, Garlic, White
Division 10: Crops
Class 3: Field Corn
Open:
- Lori Martin, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Travis Bryant, Blue
Division 11: Floral Arrangement
Class 1: Cut Flowers
Cloverbud:
- Owen Jeter, Green
- Janna Malone, Green
Open:
- Ashleigh Kritzberger, Blue, Best in Show, Best of Botetourt
- Robin Fridley, Red
- Rose Jeter, White
Division 12: Eggs
Class 2: Dozen Brown Eggs
Cloverbud:
- Samuel Zollman, Green
- Brooklyn Focht, Green
Youth:
- Scholar Zollman, Blue, Best in Show, Best in Botetourt
- Layla Bryant, Blue
- Kelly & Jackson Henson, Blue
- Kenzie Laventure, Blue
Open:
- Lori Martin, Blue
Class 3: Dozen Colored Eggs
Youth:
- Stella Zollman, Blue
Open:
- Lori Martin, Blue