UPDATE: Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in West Brunswick Township is abuzz with excitement as the Schuylkill County Fair approaches. The Shealer family—Paul, Pam, and their children Chloe, Cooper, and Carter—are fully immersed in preparations, showcasing their dedication to animal care and competition.
Chloe, aged 15, is busy grooming her 1,400-pound purebred Angus steer, Whiskey, for the upcoming fair. Meanwhile, Cooper, 12, is hosing down his Brown Swiss dairy calf and adjusting the feeding schedules for their hefty hogs, Fireball and Malibu. The children are determined to earn blue ribbons in their 4-H club competitions.
Carter, just 8, is disappointed he missed the entry deadline for his age group but is already strategizing hiding spots for the traditional game of Manhunt, a beloved fair week pastime. His excitement highlights the fair’s significance beyond competition—it’s about community and childhood memories.
Amid the flurry of activity, Paul and Pam reflect on their own 4-H experiences from 25 years ago. Paul, now 40, recalls winning blue ribbons for pigs and steers at the same fair. “It’s a good learning experience when you care for animals as infants and see them grow into adults,” he said, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with raising livestock.
The Shealers stress the lessons of hard work and responsibility that their children are learning through this process. Chloe notes that handling an animal of Whiskey’s size, which has gained 800 pounds since arriving at the farm, is no easy feat. “It’s a lot more responsibility,” she admits.
Pam, also 40, who has enjoyed county fairs since she was a child, sees her kids embodying the same values she learned growing up. “They learn hard work, responsibility, and confidence,” she stated, proud of their growth.
The fair is a cherished tradition, serving as a gathering place for local farm families. Paul and Pam now run Evergreen Acres, which has been in the family for generations. They took over the farm in 2022, continuing a legacy that began over 80 years ago.
As the fair draws nearer, the Shealers are not just preparing animals; they are nurturing a way of life. The competition fosters community ties as families reconnect and share experiences, bridging generations through shared passions.
The Schuylkill County Fair will commence shortly, and families like the Shealers are ready to make lasting memories and celebrate their hard work. With their sights set on blue ribbons, they embody the spirit of farming and community, eager to showcase their dedication and achievements.
Stay tuned for further updates as the fair approaches and the excitement builds in West Brunswick Township!
