Submitted Photo Logan Ellsworth and his pig. 4-H kids are preparing for show days during the week of the Chautauqua County Fair.

Final preparations were being made for the Chautauqua County Fair 2023 on Monday.

The 4-H animals have moved into the barns and shows have begun for a few of the animal programs. In other areas, final things are being set up for all aspects of the fair to open on Tuesday.

“Today we are hanging up banners and securing the grandstand seats,” Fair President Dave Wilson said. “We are setting up tables at security at the front. We are picking things up from the judging in the floral hall yesterday. The carnival is being set up, the rides are going up. It’s a little bit chaotic here today, but we’ll get through it.”

In the 4-H barns, 4-H kids are preparing for showing. Preparations for this include practicing with all animals in the months beforehand.

Logan Ellsworth of Panama who shows pigs at the Chautauqua County Fair said walking and training with his pig has included focusing on certain aspects this year.

“I have been focusing on keeping my pig’s head up while walking,” Ellsworth said. “Another thing that I have been working on is keeping an eye on the judge while also focusing on walking my pig, because that is a big thing for showmanship.”

Another aspect of preparations for the pigs, Ellsworth said, is focusing on the pig’s muscles.

“You want your pig to be wider at the back angle and be more muscular,” Ellsworth said. “It shows you have been walking with it and training it well, and it gives it a better meat quality.”

In the dairy barn, Dayne Jantzi of Clymer has also been working on leading his cows and getting them ready to show.

“I worked on some last minute leading practice and reassuring them that they can trust me,” Jantzi said. “Of course, there is always washing and clipping to make sure they are all ready for fair visitors.”

All aspects of the fairgrounds open to the public on Tuesday, starting at 10 a.m. with the fair’s grand opening. Gate admission tickets are $15 and the fair continues through the week until July 23.

For more information and showtimes visit chautauquacofair.org.