AUXVASSE, Mo. - The Callaway Youth Expo is where all the farm animal action will transpire next week, along with other family events.
Now in its third year, the expo is a way to highlight the hard work the county's youth has performed.
"It's a good way to showcase everything they've learned," said Ashley Temmen, 4-H youth program assistant.
Scheduled Tuesday through July 9 at the Auxvasse Lions Club Park/Arena, the week includes horse shows, tractor pulls and bingo.
Temmen was a 4-H member in Cole County for 11 years. She wants to use what she learned in the program to influence others.
"I love 4-H and the message it teaches kids," she said. "I thought, what better way than helping with 4-H?"
As a young girl, Temmen got her own checking account, and then the feeling she could accomplish much in life. After showing steers for two years while adding funds to her account, Temmen had enough money to buy a heifer, and shortly after, another.
One of Temmen's heifers and bulls produced a bull calf. But this was not just any bull calf. This was Bubba, and Bubba made his owner very proud. After showing Bubba in the arena, the judges awarded Temmen a plaque.
"All those years of hard work finally paid off," Temmen said. "It led to success."
Success came for Temmen and Bubba because of the relationship they shared.
"You do get attached, just like a dog or cat. You start to learn their personalities. There's a lot of trust that goes into the relationship," she said.
Temmen's passion for youth programs centered around farm animals has grown. This is why she has made an effort to help plan the five-day Callaway Youth Expo.
"This is an event we work on all year," she said. "I'm really excited to see it all put into action and see how it all goes."
With many activities on tap, it may be difficult to select which ones to attend. Temmen recommends finding where your interests lie and choosing events accordingly.
Temmen said she is ready for the event and to see everyone at the fair.
"It's a really nice family outing," she said. "I'm looking forward to all the shows and all the excitement that the kids get from showing off their animals with how hard they've worked."
She noted the Teen Super Farmer Contest, originally scheduled for July 7, has been rescheduled to 2 p.m. July 9.
The Auxvasse Lions Club Park/Arena is at 115 South Main St., Auxvasse, near South Callaway School.