Animals, projects on display at youth fair

The last time Cory Monroe, 11, tried to take inventory of the animals living at his Virginia Highlands home, he lost count at 75.

"Once I spot an animal, I like it too much and I have to keep it," he said.

Some of his animals will be on display at Saturday's Capital City 4-H Youth Fair at Fuji Park from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The fair will feature dogs, cats, rabbits and poultry. Some competitions will judge the quality and obedience of the animals and others will judge the poise and knowledge of the 4-Hers.

"I get sort of nervous going there," Cory said. "I try to go to sleep, but I can't because I can't stop thinking about it."

But it is worth it to him when he sees the results.

His mother, D.D. Monroe, is an animal control officer for Washoe County and often brings the animals home that she rescues.

One of them is Cottonball, an American Fuzzy Lop.

"He was all beat up and stuff," Cory said. "We fixed him all up and now he gets first and second place most of the time."

It was from his mom that Cory learned to care for animals.

"I'm an animal person and my son pretty much follows in my tracks," she said. "We enjoy the companionship with less demands."

The family has pets ranging from gerbils and turtles to goats and horses.

One of Cory's highlights was when his Cashmere goat Mary kidded in June.

"When I fed her in the morning everything was normal," he said. "When I fed at night, the baby was just laying there with its mom."

Marlana Ramirez, the youth development assistant for University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension, said 4-H teaches the members self and social responsibility and encouraged members of the community to attend the fair.

"The can see some of the great things kids are doing in our community," she said. "These are children who have worked very hard and accomplished wonderful things."

Home arts projects such as crafts and cooking will also be on display. Members of the skateboard and rollerblade club will put on a demonstration from noon until 1 p.m.

If You Go:

What: Capital City 4-H Youth Fair

When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Fuji Park