Young New Mexican talents on display again at state fair

By Lara Sullivan / NM News Port

The New Mexico State Fair wraps up this weekend after a 10-day run.

This year brought the return of the Junior Livestock Show as county 4-H and FFA clubs show off their hard work and knowledge of animal husbandry and agricultural practices.

The livestock show was suspended for two years due to COVID precautions. It is among the largest crowd attractions at the fair, featuring 20 categories of competition and judges from all over the country.

“I’m finally here and I’m really excited to get to see what it’s like,” said Zia Miller, a high school junior from Las Cruces.

Miller entered the livestock competition, where she won a dairy clipping contest.

Zia Miller of Las Cruces waits for the judges’ scores after competing in the 4-H public speaking competition at the NM State Fair, Saturday, Sept 10th, 2022.

Miller also competed in the 4-H public speaking contest.

“A big thing is getting out there, and kind of communicating with other people, meeting new people and opening up those opportunities,” Miller said.

4-H events at the fair bring youth from rural and urban settings together to display their talents, from horticulture, livestock rearing, sewing, woodworking and public speaking.

Students From New Mexico Showing Their Creative Side

Another event making its return this year is the student art exhibit, allowing students from all over the state to display a wide variety of art in gallery-like settings.

The event provides encouragement to aspiring artists, not to mention the school teachers that coach and encourage them.

“I’ve see families come and say, ‘There it is! There’s my art!’ said fairgoer Carla Armour. “They have that affirmation, that reinforcement, which I hope that it encourages them to continue to do it, and continue to explore their creativity.”

Increasing the confidence and self-esteem of these young artists is just one of the many positive benefits of the showcase. It, too, is a crowd-pleaser as hundreds of fair-goers view the artwork created by children of all ages and backgrounds.