Lia Wolf Says the Greatest Lessons of 4-H Often Happen Outside the Show Ring

Most people come to the Knox County Fair to watch the shows. Lia Wolf enjoys something a little different.

Whether she’s helping in the barns, answering questions, or pitching in wherever she’s needed as a member of the Knox County Junior Fair Board, Lia says some of her favorite moments happen behind the scenes, long before ribbons are handed out.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently caught up with Lia to talk about life on the Junior Fair Board, raising livestock, and why she hopes to one day become a veterinarian.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Originally from Chile, Lia moved to Mount Vernon several years ago and is now a homeschooled junior. She’s been involved with the Down on the Farm 4-H Club for six years and is serving her second year on the Junior Fair Board.

This summer she’s showing rabbits, goats and broiler chickens, giving her plenty to keep track of during fair week. While visitors may only see the finished product in the show ring, Lia says preparing animals is something that takes place every day throughout the year.

When the fair ends, life doesn’t slow down much. Along with continuing to care for her animals, she’ll balance school and her job at North Main Café while working toward her long-term dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Lia says raising livestock has taught her responsibility, but it has also shown her the importance of patience. Animals don’t always cooperate, and learning to work through those moments has helped shape her as a person.

She also enjoys being someone her younger siblings can look up to. Seeing them learn from her reminds Lia of the trust she works to build with her own animals every day.

Asked about one of her favorite fair memories, she didn’t mention winning a ribbon. Instead, she smiled while remembering the teamwork of getting livestock pens ready before the fair opened—a reminder that some of the best moments happen before the crowds ever arrive.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)