HUMBOLDT — When it comes to the Allen County Fair, the Ellis sisters find themselves at different stages of their 4-H careers.
For Josey, 18, the Fair is essentially one last hurrah, a final chance to work with her 1,200-pound steer — and effectively end her time working extensively with animals in general.
The Humboldt High graduate is headed to the University of Kansas in the fall, where she will pursue a career in diagnostic sonography.
But aside from coming home to help around the farm, or maybe to give her two younger sisters a hand, this will be it.
“It’s kind of sad, because I’ve been doing this since I was 7,” Josey said. “But I’m ready for the next step.”
Middle sister Jadey, 15, meanwhile, has done quite nicely since ascending from the intermediate to senior age group last year, as she navigates a busy schedule including summer sport camps.
Fortunately, Jadey has reached the age where pre-Fair jitters have subsided.
“It’s starting to become a routine for me,” she said.
For Jesey, 11, the 2026 Fair gives her one last opportunity to soak in the experience of getting to work with both older sisters, picking up on any tips they may offer as she shows off her sheep. And while her older siblings are sticking with their animals, Jesey also is knitting a blanket in arts and crafts.
Oh, and Jesey is the first to admit nerves are a part of her preparation process.
“I’m usually pretty nervous, right up to the first show,” she said. “Then it isn’t as bad.”
THE DAUGHTERS of Scott and Amanda Ellis have become adept at shaping their schedules around their animals.
Even in the winter months, they’ll be outside getting their animals used to being handled.
That pace has quickened as the Fair nears, where they’ll lead them on walks, brush them off and groom them on a regular basis.
“No matter what, even if they didn’t feel like going outside, they’d be working with them constantly,” Amanda noted.
The work has paid off, as all three sisters have earned top honors in years past for their showmanship skills.
