Sheep, Chicks and Geese Scurry at the County Fair
As photographer Dan Nelken has catalogued, the county fair is the place for family farms to showcase their prized livestock
- By Brian Wolly
- Smithsonian.com, August 14, 2009
(Dan Nelken)
Over the course of his project, Nelken was struck by how children would spend months caring for their animals while fully realizing that their wards could soon be dead, either slaughtered or by accident.
At the 2001 Schoharie County Fair, Nelken heard a girl talking about her pet rabbit. Like most subjects, she was very accommodating and agreed to be photographed. The following year he came back and showed her this photo and asked about her champion rabbit. “Oh it died,” she said matter-of-factly. “It broke its leg because my dog was chasing it.”
Another young pig farmer told Nelken that he calls his hogs “Thing 1” or “Thing 2” because he knows that they will almost certainly end up being butchered.
The owners of prize-winning animals have the option to put their livestock up for auction at the end of the fair; it’s the only compensation they get for all their work. The animals are sold for either breeding purposes or meat, and if they aren’t bid on or put up for auction, the owners might keep them for the next year’s fair.
Comments (15)
i WORK AT A SENIOR LIVING RESIDENCE AND WE WOULD LOVE TO GET VISITED BY SOME FARM ANIMALS. Especially, baby chicks, lambs, etc. Do you know of someone who would be available to do such a thing? Please refer them to my email address. Thank you, in advance. Marilyn
Posted by Marilyn Pierce on May 4,2011 | 02:25 PM
I was very surprised to see my son and myself in your book! We are on page 9 during the baby contest. My friend spotted your pictures in this mag. and let me know that we were in it. I love it! I really need to buy the book. Nice picture!
Posted by Mary Phraner on April 25,2010 | 02:22 PM
This book is more than a pleasure to look through! The pictures are wonderful and the stories they tell are fabulous! Can't wait for the next ... bring it on Dan Nelken!
Posted by Catelyn Eddy on September 16,2009 | 05:06 PM
This work is heartland America in living color. Mr. Nelken has the eye and ability to capture the essence of the county fair: the care, the pride and hopes of these youngsters as they show off their prizes to one and all.
Very well done and thank you for giving us these snapshots of American.
Posted by Toby B. on September 7,2009 | 05:08 PM
The book is a fantastic and fun distraction and makes me want to get away from the city and run back home to the countryside! Dan's talent shines through from every photograph. My kids loved it too and would like to see a UK version!
Posted by Kathy B on September 3,2009 | 12:14 PM
Looking through these pictures is so much fun! The atmosphere is amazing ... warm and inspiring images!
Posted by Lily G on August 31,2009 | 04:04 PM
Fabulous work, great humor, lovely stories; you are only missing the smells of the barns to bring it into 3D.
Posted by Adele Brown on August 31,2009 | 03:09 PM
I think that this book is a really insightful look at the background activities of the country fairs. I enjoyed reviewing this book, and my review was published on The PhotoBook (http://thephotobook.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/dan-nelken-till-the-cows-come-home/). Very nice
Posted by Douglas Stockdale on August 31,2009 | 10:26 AM
This book is not only the masterpiece of an immensely creative & talented photographer, a thoughtful tribute to American culture, but also an edgy work of conceptual art.
Dan Nelken is a brilliant artist and "Till the Cows Come Home: County Fair Portraits" is an important contribution to the world at large....Thanks Dan!
Posted by carol pfeffer on August 28,2009 | 05:37 PM
It's wonderful to see the fruition of this wonderful body of work into a book and an online article here. I wish it long life! And looking forward to seeing the book!
Posted by Chin-Chin Wu on August 27,2009 | 10:22 PM
I love this book. Dan has captured some of the same people over the years so each individual shot is great but the story builds when you see the transformation of the kids with their animal prize of the year! I wish Dan had a book for the great demolition derby pictures he has taken. Check out his web site!
Posted by Brian Sisco on August 27,2009 | 02:28 PM
I've known Dan and this wonderful body of work for a number of years-of course I own the book, too! This on-line article is well written, personal, and informative & includes a smartly chosen series of images. I certainly responded to the individual stories and his reflections - the format worked extremely well. Dan Nelken is a sensitive, intuitive, "real" person and these exceptional photographs reveal that. Bravo!
Posted by Fredrik Marsh on August 27,2009 | 10:02 AM
Dan Nelken captures the essence of county fairs. The traditions, the families and friends, the people - the heart of America.
Posted by Lois E. Goblet on August 22,2009 | 07:43 PM
I own the book. Everyone that sees it, loves it.
Posted by KEB on August 20,2009 | 12:09 AM