Panhandle Post by Jake Schrantz
On Tuesday afternoon, local kids at the Box Butte County Fair had the opportunity to showcase their favorite furry (and not so furry) friends to the community.
The Small Pet Show and Clover Kid Pet Parade have become synonymous with the Box Butte County Fair, and in the 100th year of this event, these two showcases did not disappoint.
First, two participants showed off some unique pets in the Small Pet Show. Ryker Tolstedt entered the arena and displayed his ball python. The sight was striking as his pet clung around his neck like a winter scarf, disregarding the high nineties temperatures. Tolstedt displayed plenty of knowledge on how to care for his pet snake.
"We have to feed her every week, we feed her every Sunday," said Tostedt.
"She's up to a large mouse, eventually she'll get to a rat. Also I clean her habitat and make sure her debris and matter is out of it."
Tolstedt's 3-year-old ball python caught everyone's attention, but was followed by another strong showing from Ayla Foster's duo of sugar gliders.
Foster walked through the arena gate with a couple of adorable little creatures that used her shoulders as a playground. The young presenter shared a laugh with the judge of the competition as they tried to settle down the small pets. She also presented a strong amount of knowledge about caring for her pet.
"They don't really need baths, they need their nails clipped once a week," said Foster.
"They need a large cage because they jump and climb around. They're very active, and they're nocturnal - so they are up all night and very noisy."
The two sugar gliders lived up their reputation as they dashed from her shoulders onto the carrier they were brought in. The crowd was enamored by the look and grace of the pair of sibling marsupials.
After both pets were displayed, Foster came home with the Grand Champion award and Tolstedt earned the Reserve Grand Champion.
Following the Small Pet Show, more kids and animals got in on the action at the fair with the Clover Kid Pet Parade. A variety of small dog breeds, kittens and chickens were shown off the crowd inside the facility. Each young clover kid got the chance to answer questions about their pets and have fun as they walked around the arena.
This event concluded the afternoon session of events for this day at the Box Butte County Fair, but Family Night activities were soon to follow. The participation from many of the local children seemed to provide a fun way for each person to show off their hard work taking care of their favorite animals.