But Barrett Fitzsimmons was always a fan — of goats.
“He was so excited. He couldn’t wait to go pick it out,”said Barrett’s dad, Brad Fitzsimmons. “He would run pen to pen and try to find out which one he wanted.”
Fitzsimmons said when the nine-year-old first laid eyes on the goat-soon-to-be-named-Daisy, he knew that was the animal he’d take as his first 4-H project.
EARLIER COVERAGE: Northwestern Elementary student fighting cancer ‘like a warrior’
But in the midst of the excitement, Barrett and his family were carrying a heavy weight on their shoulders.
Barrett had been going through a three-year-long battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stage 4 when he was only in the first grade.
The movement, ‘Barrett Strong!’ was born. Thousands of people, even beyond the Clark County community, followed his fight.
The young boy earned an invitation to a Michigan football game from Wolverines head coach, Jim Harbaugh and visits from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and members of the Dayton Dragons and Dayton Flyers women’s basketball teams during his time in the hospital.
Unfortunately, Barrett passed away this year — just shy of this year’s fair.
“He was such a great kid and it’s nice that everyone is here to support him,” said Barrett’s friend, Alyssa Christian through tears.
Alyssa said she wished her friend could be at the fair to show Daisy for the first time, but she was there to show the goat in Barrett’s honor.
RELATED: Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh joins ‘Barrett Strong’ fight
Alyssa, 13, was brand new to the goat arena, but by her showmanship — you’d never know.
Alyssa and Daisy walked away with a yellow fourth-place ribbon — it was only complemented by the sea of red and blue ‘Barrett Strong’ T-shirts in the crowd during the show.
“I know that he’s here with us. We’ve said several times throughout the fair, that’s a ‘Barrett thing,’” said Barrett’s 4-H advisor and family friend, Jennifer Brentlinger.
Barrett’s dad said the family has several projects in the works to continue to memorialize his son.
He said specifically The Barrett Strong Foundation will kick off on July 29th — what would be Barrett’s 10th birthday. The purpose of the foundation will be to carry on Barrett’s legacy and raise funds for pediatric cancer research through various events.
Today at the fair
Homemaker’s Day
General admission is $6, and includes free parking and admission into all concerts. Admission is free for children five and younger.
Ride tickets and wristbands require separate purchase.
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Midway opens at noon and closes at 11 p.m.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Election of Directors - Junior Fair Building
9 a.m. County Produced Goat Show-Cattle Show Arena
9:15 a.m. Horse Fun Show-Outdoor Horse Arena
10 a.m. Clark County Commissioners Meeting-Arts&Crafts
JF Clark County Cattle Producers Beef Show-Expo Center
11 -2 p.m. Sales Office open
11 a.m. Junior Dairy Grooming Contest Between Barns 2 & 3
Noon Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
1 p.m. Smoke & Mirrors- Hub Stage
Homemakers Style Show - Arts & Crafts
2 p.m. Showman of Showman & Premier Exhibitor Awards - Expo Center
3 p.m. Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
DinosaurXperience - Strolling Midway
Agricultural Society Annual Meeting-Champions Center Banquet Room
Pick of the Garden Bouquet Contest - Arts & Crafts
4-6 p.m. Willowcreek Band - CTC Shelter House
4-7 p.m. Sales Office open
4:30 p.m. A Grizzly Experience-Midway
5 p.m. Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
Grand Illusions Magic-Hub Stage
Dog Parent/Advisor Alumni Show Dog Barn
JF Goat Fun Show - Cattle Show Arena - Arts & Crafts Building
5:30 p.m. Woodcarving Sale Arts & Crafts Building
6:30 p.m. DinosaurXperience - Strolling Midway
Eric Kand Hypnosis Show -Hub Stage
Dish of the Day Judging -Arts & Crafts Building
7 p.m. Truck Tug-O-War - Grandstand
8 p.m. Grand Illusions Magic-Hub Stage
A Grizzly Experience-Midway
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
Hotel California Band-Entertainment Tent
9 p.m. Eric Kand Hypnosis Show - Midway Stage
Famous Amos Mechanical Bull Ride is from noon -11 p.m.
About the Author