FAIRLEA W.Va. (WVDN) – One of the most popular sections of the State Fair of West Virginia has always been the animals. This year, it is estimated that between 185,000 and 200,000 people attended the fair, many of which come to see the livestock. This year, one local woman’s dedication and hard work paid off with not one but two wins. Josie Patterson of Lewisburg, West Virginia, won Reserve Supreme Champion Market Steer for Thumper and fourth Overall Breeding Heifer for Serena, her Percentage Simmental.
Among the qualities that judges look for in a champion animal, muscle mass, degree of finish (fat cover), balance and structural soundness are among the frontrunners.
“I have two older sisters who motivated me to do this,” Patterson says. “They’ve both won in the past and I watched them, so now I’m trying to do the same so that my younger sister will see.” Giving her father credit for showing them the ropes, Patterson admits, “We’ve followed in our father’s footsteps.”
Caring for animals is a big job, and the Patterson family knows just how much work it takes to earn success. “It takes a lot of dedication,” says Patterson. “There are a lot of early mornings before school and a lot of late evenings afterward,” said the busy college student.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering competing in upcoming shows, Patterson offers sound advice to newcomers. “It takes a lot of effort to get where you want to be, but it’s worth it. You just have to have the mindset to do it,” she stated.
When not competing, Patterson enjoyed everything the state fair had to offer. “I enjoyed the food,” she said. “And being with family, friends, attending concerts and just everything.” When asked if she was planning to compete in next year’s state fair, Patterson was quick to respond, “Yes, we are planning to.”
For more information on the West Virginia State Fair, please visit statefairofwv.com or call 304-645-1090.
