Schuylkill County Fair Countdown: Shealer Family Prepares NOW
UPDATE: The Schuylkill County Fair is just days away, and the Shealer family is in full swing preparing their animals at Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in West Brunswick Township. With excitement in the air, siblings Chloe, 15, Cooper, 12, and Carter, 8, are embracing the thrill of competition as they gear up for the festivities.
The Shealers are focused on their prized livestock. Chloe is meticulously grooming her 1,400-pound purebred Angus steer, Whiskey, while Cooper washes his Brown Swiss dairy calf. Both children are also managing feeding schedules for their hefty hogs, Fireball and Malibu, in hopes of clinching blue ribbons in the 4-H club competition.
Carter, despite missing the entry deadline for his age group this year, is preparing for the fair’s unofficial games, like Manhunt, already scouting for the best hiding spots. “Crouching behind farm equipment or in the fair barn are great places,” he shares eagerly.
As the Shealers dive into this bustling fair season, parents Paul and Pam reflect on their own childhood experiences. “It’s a good learning experience when you care for animals and see them grow,” says Paul, who, at 40, balances his role as a standard dairy consultant and Christmas tree farmer.
Whiskey arrived at the Shealer farm weighing just 600 pounds last October. Under Chloe’s dedicated care, he has gained an impressive 800 pounds in just nine months. “Handling an animal this size is a bit scary,” Chloe admits. “It’s a lot more responsibility.”
Pam, who has participated in county fairs since she was 1 year old, observes her children mirroring her own upbringing. “They learn hard work, responsibility, and confidence,” she notes, adding that each year brings new lessons.
As they prepare, Pam shares photographs from her own competitive days, prompting a nostalgic exchange among the family. “Who’s that?” Carter asks, pointing to a childhood photo of Pam with her sisters at the fair in the 1990s. The family bond is palpable, with Paul and Pam now passing down their agricultural legacy to the next generation.
Paul Shealer, who took over the family farm from his parents in 2022, emphasizes the importance of tradition. “Our kids will be competing with kids whose parents we competed with when we were young,” he states. The family’s commitment to the Schuylkill County Fair reflects a deep-rooted connection to their community and the agricultural lifestyle.
Cooper, now entering sixth grade, showcases his skills by mowing the lanes between the farm’s 180 acres of Christmas trees. He describes the ideal shape of an evergreen tree, demonstrating an understanding of farming practices that echo his family’s long history in agriculture.
The Schuylkill County Fair serves as a vital gathering point for farm families, fostering connections and celebrating traditions. With only days remaining until the fair kicks off, the Shealer family’s preparations highlight not just their dedication but the essence of community spirit.
As the countdown continues, the Shealers are not just getting ready for a fair; they are embracing a legacy. The excitement builds, and this year’s fair promises to be more than just ribbons and awards—it’s about family, growth, and the joys of rural life.
