ALLISON - Hours before most spectators invade the grounds, activity picks up in pens at the Butler County Fair.

Members of 4-H clubs arrive early with animals in tow. Youngsters readying for the dairy competition wash and groom their gentle beasts with care. Those with a little time on their hands sweep walkways, scatter bedding and hang signs.

Kayla Kampman of Allison found time to check on her goats and chat with friends Wednesday, the fair's opener.

"The first day is pretty much the most hectic day, but after that it calms down," said Kampman, a sophomore at Aplington-Parkersburg High School.

Meanwhile, Kampman's trio of Alpine Goats looked for lunch. The darkest of the bunch, Hershey, nibbled on a sign as her owner patiently tried to dissuade the animal.

"They like paper and clothes," Kampman said.

And apparently wood. Another goat, Reeses, went to work on a post.

Typical goat behavior, Kampman said, but she loves the mischievous critters.

"They are pretty much like dogs but with hooves," she said.

Kampman took an interest several years ago when she won a goat as a prize. Skittles has since passed on but Kampman continues to compete. This year, she predicts Baby Ruth has the best chance of earning high marks.

Aurora Derdzinski, Kampman's friend, is a sheep girl from Greene. But Derdzinski plans to help her pal show the candy goat trio. Around the fairgrounds, kids seem eager to lend a hand.

"I just love the whole, like, atmosphere of fair," added Derdzinski's older sister, Anna, 15.

The annual gathering is a chance to reunite with friends, though fair kids say the week can also be stressful and nerve-wracking at times. Keeping the cows, sheep, pigs and goats presentable, well-behaved and healthy before and during competition takes effort.

"You have to feed them and spend time with them," said James Seehusen, 9, of Greene.

Sometimes, subjects don't want to cooperate. Isabelle Derdzinski, 9, one of four sisters showing animals, knows her calf can shy away from wearing and walking with a halter.

"Leah, she's kind of a scaredy-cat," Isabelle Derdzinski said of the 2-month-old bottle bucket calf.

The 4-Hers undergo scrutiny, too, while in the show ring. Maria Derdzinski, 11, says judges pay attention to how the animal moves and to how well owners control them.

"Once you are done you have this big sigh of relief," Anna Derdzinski added. "'OK, it's over.'"

Judges on Wednesday also critiqued blankets, photographs and other projects submitted by Butler County youth.

For Taylor Steinfeldt, competing at county fair is an extension of a personal interest.

"I just like to bake and stuff," said the sixth-grader at AGWSR.

She hopes judges appreciate her grandmother's sugar cookie recipe and homemade frosting.

"They are, like, flaky, and they, like, melt in your mouth," Steinfeldt said.

Livestock, baked goods and textiles are only part of a diverse lineup of activities and entertainment at the five-day event. Carnival vendors set up rides that go from slow to fast and up, down and around.

Organizers are also proud of a grandstand lineup that includes country music star Mark Chesnutt, who will perform Friday. The kid-popular animal scrambles will be Saturday and figure eight races will be Sunday.

Organizers intentionally incorporate variety when planning, said Mike Ruby, president of the fair board.

Last year, the Butler County tradition hit a landmark anniversary: 150 years. Ruby believes the fair is surging after experiencing, as other county fairs have, some difficult years.

Ruby remembers only one negative comment last year.

"'You've got too much stuff going on. I couldn't see all of it,'" he said.

Organizers helped revitalize the fair's energy by establishing a foundation to support the summer tradition. Visionaries also re-established old traditions, like flat track motorcycle races.

"We are trying to maintain a well-rounded fair," Ruby said.

For a detailed schedule, go online at www.butlercountyfair.com. The fairgrounds are at 101 S. Main St. in Allison off Iowa Highway 3.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.