THE TRADITION CARRIES ON

"She loves me."

Nine-year-old Makynna Boettcher is talking about her 5-month-old Nubian milking goat that she will be showing in her first 4-H fair at the upcoming Kimball-Banner County Fair.

The Banner County fourth-grader has been working with her goat all summer. In the mornings, she walks her around the quonset and the garage, then washes her, and finally she puts grain in her bunk.

The goat's name is "Fudge."

"I was having trouble naming her," she explained, "and I was like, 'OK, let's just go with something simple, Fudge.' "

On Friday, Aug. 9, Makynna will be showing "Fudge" after the swine show at the fair.

"I wanted to do a calf, but Dad said I wasn't ready for that, so I am going to do goats for three years, then I will do a calf," she said. "When I am a little bit stronger."

Makynna is the daughter of Kyle and Wittni Boettcher of Banner County.

Makynna was in Clover Kids last year, which is a precursor to 4-H. Clover Kids is for 5-7 year olds. Her brother, Quincy will participate in Clover Kids this year with his goat.

In addition to showing her goat, Makynna will also be participating in baking and photography. She will be trying her hand at baking cookies, chocolate chip cookies and M&M cookies.

"Mom has made , and they are really good," she assured.

For her photography exhibit, she has a photo of her dog, "Doc."

A very perceptive Mykynna said she has learned a lot this summer, including how "to properly care for her, and it has kept me active during the summer instead of being in front of the TV!"

Makynna and a host of other young people from Kimball and Banner counties will be experiencing the fair beginning Saturday, Aug. 3, with the archery competition and then on Monday, Aug. 5, with the fashion revue and clothing judging.

The week will continue with the horse show and dog shop on Tuesday, Aug. 6 and 7. Swine, goats, lambs, and beef will be shown and judged on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the 4-H and FFA programs have their parade of champions, and Monday is the livestock sale.

Special events for the public will be the annual Gymkhana on Thursday night, mini bulls and broncs on Friday, a rodeo on Saturday evening along with mutton busting. At noon Sunday comes the mare and foal parade, and at 2 p.m. another rodeo performance will be held in the arena.

A zip line, games and inflatable attractions will cover the Midway.

For the complete fair schedule, see Page B8.