Each year, showmen across Illinois enter the showing at the Illinois State Fair hoping to win the title Master Showman of Illinois. For some showmen, it will be their first time representing their counties. For others, such as Aubrey Killey of Warren County, it will also be their final time.
“This year, I competed here at Warren County, knowing that this is my last time able to represent Warren County at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. And honestly, I just can’t wait to show these three species. It’s something that I’ve grown to love over the years,” shares Killey.
This will be the fourth time Killey has competed in the Master Showmanship competition at the State Fair. Since competing in her first competition when she was 16, Killey has placed 17th, 9th, and 3rd overall.
Even as Killey readies to close out her 4-H chapter, she says she is looking forward to helping out with the next generation of showmen.
“I actually can’t wait for even when I turn over the role, and I’m helping younger exhibitors, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone too, even though it’s not, maybe a species that they’re used to, but try something new, because the years will very, very quickly fly by, and before you know it, you’ll be done here in the show ring.”
Killey will hit the showring for the Master Showmanship competition on Friday, August 8th at 5 pm.
