Berny Unruh was a shoe-in at the Red Shoe Kick, Wednesday at the Barton County Fair. The Barton County K-State Extension agent suggested the friendly game for the 4-H Youth Rally on the official opening day of the fair.
For the Shoe Kick, participants entered the Expo III Arena, stuck their feet into red shoes and kicked the footwear are far as possible.
“We used to do this in my elementary school,” Unruh said. “My family would practice at home to see which shoes flew the best.”
The games were organized by Barton County’s eight 4-H ambassadors. These high school students are in charge of sparking the enthusiasm of fair-goers and helping out with many tasks, said Donna Krug, another local Extension agent. They’ll host the Business Appreciation Breakfast on Friday.
A few minutes after the 4-H Youth Rally, 7-year-old Cylie LaTourell stepped onto the Free Stage in Expo II with her mom, Cindy. These former Barton County residents now live in Sterling, but Cylie asked if she could return to sing. “She really loves music,” Unruh said. Cylie sang “Get a Little Crazy,” with Cathy urging audience members to join in the motions of foot stomping, hand waving and high-fiving. Then they sang “Soon and Very Soon” together.
The Free Stage promises daily entertainment. Commercial exhibits are in Expo I, where the Golden Belt Model Railroad Association has trains running.