The grandstand was packed with cheering families Wednesday evening as one of the Logan County Fair's most anticipated traditions returned—the annual Livestock Scramble.

Children, teenagers, and even competitors up to 24 years old gathered beneath the grandstands before taking their turn in the arena, where five flights of chickens, several groups of sheep, and a trio of elusive calves provided plenty of excitement for participants and spectators alike.

The evening began with the always-popular Chicken Scramble, where youngsters ages 2 to 8 chased loose chickens around the arena and attempted to return them to the pen. While the event is not timed or scored, it remains a crowd favorite and often serves as many children's first experience in the fair arena. Families lined the fence and packed the grandstands, cheering as children darted after the birds, with a few adventurous chickens even making brief escapes toward the midway.

The action quickly shifted to the Sheep Scramble, where competitors ages 9 to 14 faced a greater challenge. Five participants at a time entered the ring, each attempting to catch a loose sheep and secure a halter as quickly as possible. The sheep proved to be worthy opponents, kicking, dodging, and leaping away from would-be captors. Some rounds were over in a matter of seconds, while others stretched on for several minutes before all of the animals were finally subdued.

Among the night's standout performances were Lesley Krabill, who won the 12-13 age division in just 13.18 seconds, and Adam Luthman, whose winning time of 19.31 seconds topped the 13-14 age group. Wyatt Zumberger claimed first place in his class with a time of 25.94 seconds, while Micah Winner and Moriah Winner also captured victories in their respective divisions.

The evening concluded with the Calf Scramble, widely considered the premier event of the night. Contestants in two age divisions attempted to catch and halter one of three calves, a task that required speed, strength, and persistence. Unlike the smaller animals featured earlier in the evening, the calves often evaded competitors' attempts at capture, forcing participants to wrestle them to the ground before securing a halter.

In the preliminary rounds, Silas Krabill posted the fastest time in the 15-17 age division at 2:16.05, while Josiah Stidham led the 17-24 division with a time of 1:52.41. Orville Winner also earned a spot in the championship round after finishing second in the younger division.

The championship featured Krabill, Stidham, and Winner competing for the overall title. When the gates opened, Krabill wasted little time. He secured his calf and halter in just 29.65 seconds to claim the Logan County Fair Calf Scramble championship. Stidham finished second in 1:44.84, while Winner placed third with a time of 2:29.50.

Calf Scramble Championship Results

From toddlers chasing chickens to young adults battling stubborn calves, the annual Livestock Scramble once again delivered one of the fair's most entertaining events, showcasing determination, sportsmanship, and plenty of laughs along the way.