UPDATE: The countdown to the Schuylkill County Fair is underway as families prepare for a week of competition and community celebration. Evergreen Acres Tree Farm, owned by Paul and Pam Shealer, is alive with activity as their children gear up for their respective competitions, showcasing a blend of excitement and tradition.
Just days before the fair kicks off, the Shealer children are fully immersed in preparations. Chloe, 15, is meticulously grooming Whiskey, her massive 1,400-pound Angus steer, while Cooper, 12, washes his Brown Swiss dairy calf. The family’s hopes are high as they aim for blue ribbons in the 4-H club competition, a rite of passage that has spanned generations.
“It’s a good learning experience when you care for animals as infants and see them grow into adults,” said Paul Shealer, age 40. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, reflecting on how the skills learned in youth resonate through adulthood.
Meanwhile, 8-year-old Carter Shealer is eagerly awaiting his turn. Although he missed the entry deadline for his age group this year, he is already strategizing for next year’s events. “I’m figuring out good hiding spots for Manhunt, a game we play at the fair,” he shared, showcasing the excitement that surrounds this annual tradition.
Amidst the hustle, memories of their own childhoods fill the air. Paul and Pam, both veterans of the 4-H competition, are now passing along the lessons they learned to their children, fostering a sense of connection to their family’s farming legacy.
As Paul recalled, “I took home blue ribbons for pigs, goats, and steers at the Schuylkill County Fair.” The couple has deep roots in agricultural competition, with Pam hailing from a dairy farm in Berks County where she also earned accolades.
This year marks a significant milestone for the Shealers, who took over the family farm in 2022. With 180 acres dedicated to Christmas trees and livestock, the farm has become a hub for community engagement. “Our kids will be competing with kids whose parents we competed with when we were kids,” Pam noted, underscoring the enduring community ties forged through the fair.
As the fair approaches, the Shealers are not just preparing for competition; they are also cultivating a sense of community. The fair serves as a gathering place for farm families, a chance to reconnect with neighbors and celebrate their agricultural heritage.
With the excitement building and preparations in full swing, the Shealer family exemplifies the spirit of the Schuylkill County Fair. It’s a blend of hard work, tradition, and family bonding that sets the stage for a memorable experience.
Stay tuned for live updates and results from the fair, as the Shealer children and many others showcase their hard work and dedication. The fair opens on July 30, 2025, promising a week of thrilling competitions and cherished memories.
