WILLMAR — You could have heard a pin drop Friday morning as 4-H members calmly led their alpacas and llamas through a grueling series of challenges before a packed crowd at the annual judging competition.
The handlers led their animals through a series of tasks, including climbing into a trailer, moving through a hula hoop, jumping over bars and more.
On the sidelines, other 4-H youth could be seen giving their animals love and petting, and some secretly gave them a quick kiss and pat on the head to congratulate them on their hard work in completing the course.
The County Fair continues Saturday in northwest Willmar. More information is available online at kandifair.com.
Mitra Engan, left, leans over the railing to hug Adeline Engan, 16, before the 4-H judging of the llamas and alpacas begins at the Kandiyohi County Fair, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Erynn Bergh leads her alpaca Goose over an obstacle during the 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Abbey Schoumaker, 17, leads her llama Bruce toward a mailbox obstacle during 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Adeline Engan, 16, climbs through a hoop while leading her alpaca, Peaches, through the obstacle course during the 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Abigail Behl, 16, shakes a cup of food next to her alpaca, Maverick, hoping he won’t get spooked during the 4-H judging of llamas and alpacas at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Bruce the llama waits his turn to complete the obstacle course with 17-year-old caregiver Abbey Schoumaker during the 4-H judging of llamas and alpacas at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Korra Schneider, 11, guides Peaches through a series of obstacles during the 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Brielle Lungren, 12, competes in the 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Erynn Bergh gets a nudge on the chin from her alpaca, Goose, during 4-H llama and alpaca judging at the Kandiyohi County Fair on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Macy Moore/West Central Tribune
Macy Moore is an award-winning photojournalist at the West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minnesota. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 320.214.4338.
