When 11-year-old  Elliot Town, of Niles, claimed the first-place prize for youth showmanship during the rabbit show at the Cass County Fair, tears of joy streamed down his face as he clutched his blue ribbon.

“I was excited,” Town said. “I was really scared that I would not even place.”

Town won the competition by showing off his Lilac Polish rabbit, Jay. He would later compete with Jay again in overall showmanship. Town also won second place in the showmanship and market class with his dairy cow.

Nearby, Town’s brother, Micah Samys, 14, prepared to show his Black Dutch rabbit, Prince.

“We have been raising rabbits for as long as I can remember,” Samys said.

In the days leading up to the fair, the brothers care for their rabbits, grooming them for fair glory.

“We clean them, clip their toenails and check their teeth,” Town said.

Their mother, Melissa Town, encouraged the boys to pick their own breed of rabbit and care for them. Before the show, she reminds them to practice showing their pets.

Like many families that visit the Cass County Fair,  showing animals is a long-time tradition. Melissa recalled her own experience showing animals. Like her sons, she claimed many first-place titles.

Years later, the fair continues to bring the family together to compete in animal showings. The family also dedicates their time to help operate multiple facets of the fair.

When Melissa was growing up, her mom, Judy O’Neill, used to run the poultry barn — a duty she has passed along to Melissa. O’Neill is still involved in the fair and Melissa’s sister, Beth Noles, runs the rabbit barn. In addition, her sons show not only rabbits, but also show chickens, ducks and dairy feeders.

It can get hectic at times with multiple animals and shows to keep track of,  but the summer wouldn’t be the same without the tradition, Melissa said.

Along with creating new memories, it is a pastime that has helped to inspire the family’s shared love for animals, a trait indicative of each of Melissa’s sons.

For Samys, educating people about how he cares for his animals is the best part of the fair.

“I just enjoy being able to handle these animals,” Samys said. “It is really cool being able to [be with them].”

Melissa has seen the responsibility of caring for animals help her children develop several important skills.

“It teaches them interview skills and responsibility to care for another living animal,” Melissa said. “Caring for another living thing can teach them more about real life.”

Through showing animals, she said, the children also learn good sportsmanship practices, as well as confidence.

“It teaches them how to win gracefully and win honorably,” Melissa said.

With so many lessons to be learned, the Cass County Fair is a tradition that the family will likely continue to carry on for years to come.

“It is just part of life,” Melissa said. “It is the highlight of the summer.”