A reptile show was just one fascinating feature at this year’s Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition. Area kids came not only to ride the rides, eat cotton candy, and see livestock, they also were given the opportunity to touch various reptiles, including this snake. The show was developed by Brian Staples, an ecologist and director of The Animal Encounter Show. Staples is assisted by his brother-in-law Eli Bonnine (holding snake). -- Staff photo by Rost

May 11, 2006 - Surrounded by fields of cotton and corn, the grounds of the Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition near Glen Flora was bustling with activities for both young and old during the week-long event, April 23-29. Youth in 4-H and FFA competed with their animals and ag mechanics projects, preschool and special students were entertained during an animal and reptile show, and senior citizens were honored with a special day.

Following days of livestock and projects competition, this year’s Sale of Excellence totaled $611,065. The freezer sale, which are sales from projects that don’t make the big sale, totaled $68,294.25 and add-ons at end of day Saturday (April 29) totaled $95,135. Add-ons are where participants can “add-on” to an individual’s project from the Sale of Excellence.

While the older students worked hard earning money for their college educations, the younger kids had a good time touring the show barns and touching live animals, including snakes and alligators. Brian Staples, an ecologist, and his brother-in-law Eli Bonnine, had the preschoolers squirming and screeching during the reptile thrill show.

Boling FFA’er David Kutach accepts a congratulatory handshake from show judge Glen Martin after being deemed the showmanship champion. -- Staff photo by Rost

A third generation animal trainer, Staples takes his show on the road to teach kids respect for animals.

“I have a philosophy that it’s easier  to teach respect for the animals that we share the planet with than it is for us to break a fear of animals .... So I have just a few minutes on stage to give an impression to a child that everything that they are seeing is equally important, and being able to give them a hands-on experience where they are actually seeing and feeling and hearing and smelling — all of those senses will give them an impression that I think will last a lot longer than a lot of classroom education.”

Staples has been taking his show on the road to state and county fairs for over 12 years and says he enjoys the lifestyle he chose.

“I asked myself as a kid what I wanted to do for a living. And I wanted to do something where I could travel, where I could spend a lot of time with animals, and I love performing so I took my three favorite things and combined them into this. Now I get to wake up every morning on a safari and I get to hang out with other people who love animals as much as I do. So this really isn’t a job. It’s a lifestyle that I really enjoy.”

Along with the reptile show, Staples also has an animal encounter show and an animal magic show. During the animal encounter show, the audience gets to interact with monkeys and exotic animals from around the world. Staples says the animal magic show is an opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem.

“Kids will actually do the magic. Of course, it’s just an illusion, but it all has a positive message,” said Staples.

With daily offerings of  educational shows, learning centers, livestock competitions, music (from polka to country to Tejano dance) and rodeos, along with fun contests, the Wharton County Youth Fair once again sent a positive message for agriculture and truly showed it is dedicated to the youth of  Wharton County who aggressively seek knowledge in the areas of agriculture, livestock and related industries.

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The main purpose of the youth fair is to promote educational programs and activities and provide encouragement and assistance through scholarships to individuals so they might achieve proficiency through higher learning and education, cites the Wharton County Youth Fair website. 

Since 1978, scholarships have been awarded to Wharton County youth at a special banquet. This year’s banquet, set for May 17, will be even more special for the Wharton County Youth Fair.

“This year we will mark our million-dollar mark, as far as since we’ve been giving scholarships,” said Cindy Blaha, fair coordinator.

As of 2005, $969,200 in scholarhips has been awarded with exhibitor sales dollars exceeding $10,221,975.

For more information about the Wharton County Youth Fair and other fair contest results please visit www.whartoncountyyouthfair.org/.