Live critters delight kids

Show is first chance for some children to see farm animals

Bianca Prieto, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 10, 2006 at midnight

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Two-year-old Connor Melcher watched curiously as two 5-day-old lambs circled their mother in a pen.

It was the first time the little boy had ever seen a live farm animal.

"It's like the movie Babe has come to life for him," said Chris Melcher, the toddler's father.

The two enjoyed the afternoon at the Children's Ranchland display at the National Western Stock Show on Monday. It's the first time the Melchers have attended the stock show, even though Chris Melcher has been in Denver for 10 years. Exposing his son to farm animals spurred him to attend.

"He loves it," he said. "I wanted to give him a chance to see live animals."

The sounds of live roosters crowing, swine oinking and sheep baaing filled the second floor of the Stadium Hall. The occasional shriek of a startled child interrupted the farmyard noises. More often a curious child mimicked the critters.

Five-day-old twin goats, one billy and one nanny - farm-speak for boy and girl - allowed themselves to be petted by the children.

"They like the attention," said Kayle Austin as she held the billy, Paco.

Austin is state secretary for the Future Farmers of America and a volunteer at the display. She and nine other officers answered questions and took care of the animals.

Many of the visitors wanted to know how old Paco and his sister, Snowball, were, Austin said.

"I like to see all the animals," said 4-year-old Kassidy Karnes as she petted Paco.

Kassidy said she was excited about seeing the horses.

Kassidy and her family were at the stock show for the miniature horse show and decided to visit the children's area, said Kassidy's mom, Cindy Yearout.

Nine-year-old Sarah Palmer and her "No. 1, 100 percent, best friend" Megan Grines enjoyed looking at the rabbits, roosters and ducks for sale at the exhibit.

"I like the piggies," Megan said, although they weren't for sale. "They're cute."

Both girls wrinkled their noses at the animals' unmistakable aromas.

"When we first came in here, it stunk," Sarah said.

Both of their faces were painted with matching glittering heart-shaped American flags. Getting their faces painted was their favorite part of the stock show, they said.

Diane Palmer, Sarah's mom, was happy to bring the two to the show. It's the second consecutive year they've attended.

As a child, she spent summers on her grandpa's farm, working with horses and chickens. The farm animals and stock show stir up memories of her youth, she said.

"It's almost like the traditions and the old stuff in the past are not going to be remembered," Palmer said. Events like the National Western help ensure important traditions never die, she said.

Children's Ranchland

• Opens: every day at 9 a.m. when the Hall of Education opens

• Closes: on weekdays at 8 p.m., on weekends at 9 p.m.

• Features: live animals, corn and bean boxes to roll around in, T-bone the talking steer, youth art exhibit, train ride and playground (cost), agricultural education stations

prietob@RockyMountainNews.com 303-892-5219

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