On Wednesday, September 26th, Ed and I attended the San Joaquin County Fair. The main attraction for me was the beef steer competition. We went to the beef barn. I wanted to see how the steers where prepared for the show. A lot of care was in progress when we arrived. The market beef steers were being cleaned, combed and fluffed for their moment in the arena. We watched Lori Kroon grooming her steer, using a product on the steer's legs, which looked a lot like a stiff hair spray. I could have asked what she was using, but she was so busy, I did not want to interrupt her. When the call came for the judging her steer was ready for the show. All of the steers where brought in and different weight class judging began. You could tell which of the students had really worked with their animals throughout the year, as some walked beside their masters and others would not walk and had to be encouraged to move, or they would try to get away. Some of the students had a difficult time getting their animal to behave. I was a little disappointed as there were only about three gentlemen showing beef steers. The ladies outnumbered the gentlemen about six to one. Each weight class was judged on their appearance, their quality, and the fullness of size and uniformity throughout the steer. The students were judged on their showmanship experience also. When the judge would rub his hand over the backs of the steers, their handler would pull the comb from their back pocket and re-fluff the area that was flattened down. When the judged had completed his assessment he would tell the audience how he arrived at his decision and announced first, second and third place winners. Lori Kroon and her steer Bo won second place. Congratulation Lori! Also congratulations to Logan LaRossa of Escalon FFA. Her beef steer was awarded first place for her weight class and also was crowned the Grand Champion for the beef steer.

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The United Methodist Church in Escalon will be hosting their fifth annual 'Build Your Own Omelet Dinner' on Saturday, October 6th. $7.00 for adults, $3.50 for children under 10 and children under five are free. The church is located at 2000 Jackson Ave. (Highway 120 East).

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Mark your Calendars! United Methodist Women of Farmington will be holding the annual "Holiday Bazaar" on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be Handcrafted and Homemade items, along with baked goods, candy and more. A variety of very delicious homemade soup and pies will be served all day. There is also a drawing for a handmade quilt. The church is located at 25626 E. Elm Street, in Farmington.

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On August 11th a party was held in honor of Chris Donis and Kati Bailey to announce their engagement. Family and friends were in attendance to celebrate the occasion with the happy couple. Congratulation, Chris and Kati.

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Happy Birthday to our dear friend Ray Frymire on Thursday, October 12th.

Also a Happy Birthday to Ethan Turner on Monday, October 8th.

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I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome. Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-Mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.