At the Hartford Fair in Croton, Ohio , the Simon family is continuing a multi-generational tradition of livestock exhibition. The family's connection to the event began in 2004 when parents Derek and Bethany Simon met as young 4-H exhibitors.
A connection forged in the 2004 4-H rings
The Simon family's involvement in the Hartford Fair represents a deep-rooted commitment to agricultural heritage that spans over two decades. According to the report, Derek and Bethany Simon first crossed paths at the fair in August 2004. At the time, Derek was representing Johnstown and Bethany was from Utica, but their shared passion for raising pigs and cattle brought them together through mutual friends.
This shared history eventually led to their marriage in February 2006 and the establishment of a family life that revolves around the seasonal rhythms of the fair. What began as a youthful 4-H competition has evolved into a family cornerstone, as they now guide their children, 17-year-old Weston and 15-year-old Libby, through the same demanding livestock circuits.
The physical labor required in the Croton showgrounds
Participating in the Hartford Fair requires a grueling, continuous routine that extends far beyond the hours of official judging. As the article states, the teenagers, Weston and Libby, have been performing these tasks since they were approximately seven or eight years old. Their responsibilities include feeding and watering animals, washing and grooming them, maintaining clean stalls, and practicing the specific movements required for the show ring.
The work is not only physically demanding but also subject to the whims of the weather. Heavy rain can transform the Croton grounds into mud, complicating the movement of animals and the maintenance of their appearance.. Despite these challenges, the Simon family operates as a cooperative unit, with parents and relatives assisting one another in the barns to manage the heavy workload of raising beef cattle, hogs, and lambs.
Libby Simon’s emotional farewell to Murphy the calf
For 15-year-old Libby Simon, this year's fair marked a significant and bittersweet milestone in her development. After months of shared labor and care, Libby faced her final appearance in the ring with her calf, Murphy. The emotional weight of the moment became evident when Libby broke down in tears following the presentation.
The scene was a testament to the intense bond formed between young exhibitors and their animals. During the event, Derek Simon provided last-minute advice to his daughter before she entered the ring and remained close by to offer support as she processed the conclusion of her youth livesstock project. This moment highlights the personal growth and the sense of closure that often accompanies the end of a multi-month commitment.
The unknown destination for the Simon family's livestock
While the report provides a detailed look at the emotional and physical aspects of the Simon family's tradition, several logistical details remain unaddressed. The article focuses on the preparation and the competition, but it does not clarify the ultimate fate of the animals, such as Murphy, once the fair concludes. It is unclear whether the livestock are sold at auction, kept for further breeding, or transitioned to other agricultural uses.
Additionally, the report does not touch upon the financial complexities involved in such a long-term commitment. While the family shares the labor, the costs of feeding, grooming, and transporting beef cattle and lambs over several months represent a significant investment that remains unexamined in this account of their tradition.
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