By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Cali's personality is one of a kind and that was proven once again this week at the Berrien County Youth Fair.
For the third straight year, Cali, a calico cat owned by Max Stahl of Niles, won Grand Champion.
"They judge cats on their personalities. They look to see how loveable and accepting they are of new people. They also see how soft they are and their nails have to be clipped," Stahl, 19, said Friday.
Stahl, who will be attending Southwestern Michigan College this fall, said he knew right away there was something about Cali that made her stand out. She was born at his grandparents' farm and adapted to the family and the other animals right away.
A picture of Cali on a hog's back says a lot about her.
"I love that cat and figured if I did, other people would too," he said.
So, Stahl decided to show her and has three Grand Champion ribbons to prove she is one loving animal.
Stahl is no stranger to the fair, as he has been showing animals for quite some time. Some of the animals have included pigs, ducks and rabbits.
This year, along with Cali, Stahl also showed his other cat, Buddy, a manx, and brought home fourth place honors. One of his ducks also won Reserve Grand Champion. In the past, his pigs have won Reserve Grand Champion
"I just like the atmosphere of the fair. I like being there and being around younger kids who are learning all about showing," Stahl said. And it appears Cali does too.
While Stahl is finished showing and was back at home resting, along with a very tired Cali, other fair events will continue today.
The Draft Horse Open Show began at 10 a.m. and the Best of the Berrien County Pie Bakers Contest kicked off at 10:30 a.m.
It's also Wristband Day at the final day of the fair, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At 1 and 3 p.m. Cheer Unlimited will perform at the Mall area and the Parade of Champions will be held at 5:45 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program will take place, with performances by Miss and Teen Southwest Michigan in the USA/Ag-Expo Building.
At 7 p.m., the Demolition Derby will take place in the Grandstand. Tickets are $8.