This photograph was taken while revisiting the site of my 4-H achievement days in rural South Dakota. The fairgrounds in Miller (Hand County) are still a hub of excitement and showcase the years achievements of rural youth who work hard all year long to train, feed, groom and prepare their livestock for competition. Chickens, ducks, rabbits, cows, sheep, horses— all were groomed and primped and shined until they were show-worthy. There are also food, craft, photography, woodworking, and a myriad of other entries to be competed and judged. This was the hi-lite of my growing up years — to attend the 4-H achievement days on this fairground. I remember many a 4-H calf dragging me about the yard before we were able to pass confidently into the arena through this gate. And many a tear was shed coming back out of that gate at the close of the day when those same animals whom we were taught to train and care for were then sold to the highest bidder.
The day that I revisted the fairgrounds there was not a soul in sight but I could still feel the glow of those memories as I watched the last light of day set shadows into the vacant barn.