'Ewe Bid, Ewe Buy' Sheep Group auction March 19

“Ewe Bid, Ewe Buy,” the annual Fallbrook 4-H Sheep Group auction, will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Fallbrook High School Ag Department. This year’s chair is Shelsea Bartoo, a ninth-grader. “I am really excited about this auction and I hope a lot of people come,” she said. This is Shelsea’s first year in Fallbrook 4-H; however, she was previously a member of Bonsall 4-H.

Both silent and live auctions will be offered. Gift certificates, gift baskets and other items will be available at the silent auction and a large assortment of items including paintings, quilts, halters and blankets (for both sheep and people) will be auctioned. If it rains, the auction will still take place but will be moved inside the Ag classroom.

The auction will help defray the entry fee costs for the San Diego County Fair. Supplies such as hay for food and straw for bedding are also covered by auction funds.

Shelsea has been raising market sheep for two years and will be getting a new sheep soon. She is excited about showing her animals with fellow 4-H members. 4-H members are at the fair with their sheep for two separate weeks, Market Week and Breed Week, depending on the type of sheep shown.

The groups participate in barn decoration competitions and both have earned first place in previous years. Each member will also create a poster with photos and information about their various sheep. During Breed Week, members demonstrate methods of carding and spinning wool. The Fallbrook 4-H Sheep Group always returns home with many blue ribbons as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion honors.

At the live auction, there is always at least one item that stirs the bidders to a bidding frenzy and it’s worth the trip out just to get caught up in the excitement.