Tifton kids and cattle win at the Georgia National Fair

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During the first weekend of October, many Tifton, GA youth traveled north to Perry, GA to show their livestock at the Georgia National Fair. For some, like nine-year-old Kolt Harper, it was their first year getting to show at the big state fair. But for others, like 17-year-old Charlee Anne Walls, this was their last chance to win recognition for their cattle before aging out after high school.

Kolt Harper from Tifton, Georgia, stands by his red Angus heifer, Rosie, at the Georgia National Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Perry, Georgia. Harper stands where Rosie can see him while other family members and friends do their last touch ups of paint on the heifer’s hair. (Photo/Ashtin Barker)

Charlee Anne Walls blow dries her orange Chi-Influence steer, Wyatt Earp, at the Georgia National Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Perry, Georgia. Walls showed Wyatt Earp on Sunday and he won grand champion breed steer. (Photo/Ashtin Barker)

Despite problems with extended power loss in Tifton caused by Hurricane Helene, the Harper and Walls families were able to adapt and bounce back to confidently show their cattle on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Perry, GA. According to Lacy Harper, mother of Kolt Harper, the livestock community in Tifton was able to load up several trailers worth of supplies and food to send to more greatly affected areas.

Harper showed Rosie, a red Angus heifer, on Saturday morning, and his 13-year-old sister, Kendall Harper, showed a high percentage Simmental and a Chianina later in the day, winning first in her class for each.

Kolt Harper brings his third place ribbon over to his family at the Georgia National Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Perry, Georgia. Kolt showed off his ribbon to his family and friends before walking Rosie back to the barn to rest after the busy morning of competition. (Photo/Ashtin Barker)

Shawn and Jessica Walls, parents of Charlee Anne Walls, watch the division of heifer showing before it’s Charlee Anne’s turn at the Georgia National Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Perry, Georgia.
(Photo/Ashtin Barker)

Charlee Anne Walls corrects Sammi during her showing at the Georgia National Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Perry, Georgia. The judges only took about 10 minutes to judge this division of cattle, about half the amount of time it took them to judge the division before Walls. (Photo/Ashtin Barker)

Walls showed Sammi, a high percentage Simmental heifer, Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, she showed her Chi-Influence steer, Wyatt Earp, and won the grand champion breed steer.