Many local children look forward to the Shawville Fair as a time to relax, hit the rides and see the sights. But for those in the Shawville 4H program, it’s a time to compete and show off livestock that they’ve trained with all year.
One such competitor is 13-year-old Alex Mayhew, who will be showing a Holstein calf and an Orpington chicken named Opera.
“I like animals. Cows and chickens are my two favorites,” he said. “I like it for the experience. I want to have a dairy farm when I’m older and show myself.”

Mayhew has been showing at the fair since he was six years old, usually animals from his family’s farm near Bristol.
“I show a chicken from my place. Lately we haven’t been having calves for me to show at our place so I’ve been showing other people’s calves,” he said.
He explained that the judges look at the animal’s appearance and grooming as well as the participant’s ability to maneuver in the ring.
“I have a friend, he shows all over the place now, he’s the one that showed me how to clip calves,” he said, explaining how trimming and primping the cow’s hair is a delicate art. “I just started learning it last year.”
In addition to prepping the calf’s appearance, Mayhew has to spend countless hours walking with her and learning how to place her feet.
“You should be practicing every night but, I’m involved with sports and other stuff so I don’t have time to do that. It was easier when we showed our own calves,” he said. “I usually walk her every two or three days. You just have to get them used to it. If you stop, they will forget.”
Mayhew credits his dad and the calf’s owner, Kathy Howard, with giving him pointers on showmanship. He said that while cattle showing can be tricky, poultry is a good deal easier.
“You don’t need to practice with a chicken as much as a calf,” he explained. “The only thing the chicken needs to learn is to get used to hanging upside down.”
This past weekend, Mayhew headed out to Pakenham for a competition with the 4H club but said that he was already looking forward to the Shawville Fair.
“This year I’m really excited for Sunday and Dean Brody, he’s my favorite singer,” he said. “I’m working the 4H booth that night.”
He had some tips for first time competitors.
“I would just say, have fun. Not everyone wins, I never won my first three years,” he said. “Just watch other people, adults, see what they do.”