Karly Spear Crowned Champion Showman at Jasper County Fair
UPDATE: Karly Spear, just 15 years old from Newton, has been named the Champion Showman at the Jasper County Fair, marking a remarkable turnaround from her nervous debut last year. In a competition that highlighted her dedication and skill, Spear not only clinched this prestigious title but also secured top-two finishes in five out of six species shows.
This year’s Brice Leonard Supreme Showmanship Contest took place on July 15, 2023, and Spear approached the event with newfound confidence. With the help of fellow 4-H’ers, she showcased her livestock expertise, earning first place in both the beef and sheep categories, while tying for first in the goat competition alongside Claire Kucera. Although she narrowly missed a top finish in the swine category, she was outperformed by this year’s Reserve Champion Showman, Grace Guy, aged 17.
Reflecting on her experience, Spear shared, “In the past two years, I’ve had some animals that maybe weren’t perfectly behaved, so it’s just learning to keep my composure and work hard at it.” The challenges she faced, especially with unruly animals like pigs, only strengthened her resolve.
Guy, who has also previously competed, echoed similar sentiments about her own growth. “Last time, I came in dead last,” she admitted. “It was humbling to say the least.” This year, her three top-two finishes in swine, beef, and sheep demonstrated her significant progress in the competition.
Both champions emphasized the importance of preparation and effort leading up to the contest. Guy remarked, “My dad always says, ‘You get what you put into it.’ I took that to heart and put a lot into it this year.”
The excitement from the contest continues to resonate with participants and the community, showcasing the hard work and resilience of young showmen and women. As Spear and Guy celebrate their achievements, they serve as inspirations to others in the 4-H program, proving that dedication and teamwork can lead to remarkable success.
As the fair continues, all eyes will be on these rising stars as they prepare for future competitions, eager to build on their newfound confidence and skills.
