4-H'er values time exhibiting rabbits

By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN | East Texas Edition

Whitehouse 4-H member Elizabeth Chapman holds her rabbit, a Jersey Wooly, that takes her to various competitions throughout the area. -Staff photo by Hemmingsen

October 11, 2001 -- A Jersey Wooly rabbit could be called the "fluff" in Elizabeth Chapman's three-year 4-H career.

Chapman's rabbit project is just one of her activities with the Whitehouse 4-H club.

"I really enjoy the opportunities made available through 4-H participation," she said.

Chapman has primarily shown the same rabbit for all three years. She often frequents the annual East Texas State Fair in Tyler and other rabbit shows, including the Yellow Rose rabbit show also in Tyler, as well as the Daingerfield rabbit show, and other area shows where rabbits are exhibited.

If the show she attends has a Jersey Wooly category, this is the class her rabbit is entered in; but most often, her rabbit competes in the "other breeds" class. Chapman said there aren't a whole lot of Jersey Woolys shown at most fairs.

Chapman is proud of the winnings her rabbit has achieved over the years, including Best Opposite, Best of Breed, and several first, second and third placings.

The 13-year-old is an eighth grader at Grace Community School in Tyler. As a member of the Whitehouse 4-H, Chapman currently serves as council delegate.

"It's fun showing rabbits because I like them a lot, " shared Chapman. "I enjoy the competition and I like running into other rabbit breeders and exhibitors at all the different shows I attend."

Jersey Wooly category, this is the class her rabbit is entered in; but most often, her rabbit competes in the "other breeds" class. Chapman said there aren't a whole lot of Jersey Woolys shown at most fairs.

Chapman is proud of the winnings her rabbit has achieved over the years, including Best Opposite, Best of Breed, and several first, second and third placings.

The 13-year-old is an eighth grader at Grace Community School in Tyler. As a member of the Whitehouse 4-H, Chapman currently serves as council delegate.

"It's fun showing rabbits because I like them a lot, " shared Chapman. "I enjoy the competition and I like running into other rabbit breeders and exhibitors at all the different shows I attend."