No shortage of cuteness at Barnyard Olympics

Chickens and goats will compete to find out who’s the pluckiest at the upcoming Barnyard Olympics.

Dozens of chickens and goats will compete to find out who’s the pluckiest at the upcoming Barnyard Olympics.

Young members of the Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club are putting on the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds using their own animals. The fundraiser benefits the goat barn, which needs improvements.

The club’s well-received Goat Olympics of 2019 inspired this year’s event, with the addition of avian competitors.

“We’re excited to come back and ramp it up and make it a bigger event and involve some other animals and things,” club leader Amy Bingham said. Both of her daughters are part of the 4-H club.

During a calling contest, kids will stand at the end of the fairgrounds arena and attempt to summon their goats and chickens, who may hoof it or strut their stuff. Spectators also get to vote on their favorite costumes.

Bingham said there will be a couple of opportunities for members of the public to participate in the fun, such as navigating an obstacle course with the 4-H animals.

Attendees can enter a raffle to win prizes, which includes a calendar of 4-H animals, stickers, a dozen farm fresh eggs, a basket of goat milk soap and other prizes from local vendors. The event will also have a concession stand and a bake sale.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per person to attend.

“Baby goats are the best,” Bingham said. “Just come to see the baby goats.”

Event sponsors can contact her at amybingham4h@gmail.com for more information.

With the money raised, club members hope to fund lighting, electrical and structural upgrades to the 4-H goat barn on the fairgrounds, which is dim and has a low roof that people have hit their heads on.

Photo provided
Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club member Lina Moreno, 8, with her baby goat named Magic.

Photo provided Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club member Lina Moreno, 8, with her baby goat named Magic.

Photo provided
Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club member Ava Stamatiou, 18, with goats Kona and Blackberry.

Photo provided Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club member Ava Stamatiou, 18, with goats Kona and Blackberry.