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As Minnesota’s county fairs wrap up, thousands of 4-H kids from across the state are looking forward to showing their award-winning animals at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Sisters Maddi and Lily Beissel are two of those kids. They’ve participated in 4-H, a hands-on youth program that includes animal husbandry, for over a decade. Their success at the Dakota County Fair propelled them to the State Fair this summer.

Lily, 12, said she wasn’t expecting to qualify for the State Fair.

“I was so excited when I found out I got to go,” she said.

Lily and Maddi participated in multiple events at the Dakota County Fair this summer with their cows: Fred, Maverick, Rosie and Mazie.

In the Dakota County 4-H ribbon auction, bidders donate to the child and the 4-H program, but don’t actually take home the animal. Maddi, 15, earned $1,700 for Fred, her blue-ribbon market steer.

“I'm really happy with that,” Maddi said.

Maddi and Lily said their ribbon auction earnings will support their attendance at the State Fair and help raise more animals next year.

 throughout all 12 days of the State Fair, including building exhibits, demonstrations, herdsmanship contests and a ribbon auction. Fair attendees will get to see some of the best animals in the state, including sheep, alpacas, poultry, rabbits and Fred and Rosie.

The Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.

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Cait Kelley

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Thousands of kids from across the state who did well in their county 4-H competitions are looking forward to bringing their award-winning animals to the Minnesota State Fair later this month.

A teenage girl in a green vest stands next to a cow.

Cait Kelley | MPR News

A group of people talks outside an open barn next to a few goats.

As county fairs wrap up, 4-H kids prepare to show their animals at the State Fair

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