Even though 8-year-old Jessica Steinmetz of Hot Springs is too young to do all the work her older brothers do in preparation for showing sheep, she said she still has fun watching and helping when she can.

"I just learned how to clip them with some big clippers," she said.

Jessica's brothers, 16-year-old twins Clayton and Colter, are showing eight sheep at this year's Butte-Lawrence County Fair. Showing animals is a hobby for the Steinmetz family.

Luke Steinmetz said his boys have been showing sheep all their lives - even before they were born, when their mom, Nina was pregnant. The family travels the country showing animals.

Luke Steinmetz said he used to help, but now the boys can do everything on their own.

"It teaches responsibility, chores and caring for animals," he said. "They take care of them, they do it all on their own. All I do now is drive the truck."

The 28th annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair started Tuesday at the fairgrounds in Nisland and will run until Saturday, Aug. 16. Admission is free.

Erica Proefrock, 14, of Belle Fourche worked Tuesday to set up her science-fair project. She said the 4-H projects were judged Tuesday morning, and she was proud of her purple first-place ribbon. Proefrock said she has been participating in the fair for the past six or seven years.

"Just walk around, do whatever, see all the different projects," Proefrock said, summarizing her favorite fair activity. "I look forward to the snowcone van."

Laurie Olson, a mom and superintendent of the chicken entries, said her favorite part about the Butte-Lawrence County Fair is the kids.

"I just like to see their faces light up," she said. "They seem to be so proud of what they are showing, how devoted the kids are to their stuff."

Since the week tends to consist of long days and long nights, the Olson family of Belle Fourche has brought a sleeping camper to the fair. That expands the time the family has together.

"It's the last week of freedom for the kids and the last week of family time before school starts," Olson said.

Events include:

exhibits in 4-H

Open class

FFA

Style Show

Livestock judging

Tractor pull

Livestock sale

Wednesday, Aug. 13:

2 p.m. - Free watermelon

5 p.m. - Bingo

Thursday, Aug. 14:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camo Cap, sponsored by Operation Military Kids

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Free barbecue