Fifteen-year-old Leslie Queen, right, listens as Karen Blakesee poses a question about her marble chiffon cake Monday at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. Taeghan Sharpe, 7, center, and Annette Larson, left, were assisting in the judging. Blakesee asked Queen what a chiffon cake has that a sponge cake doesn't; the answer is that chiffon cakes contain oil, while sponge cakes do not.

Photo by John Henry

Amanda Snodgrass, front, is caught by surprise as the rooster she is bathing tries to get away Sunday at 843 E. 1150 Road. Brad Shuck and Kiera Snodgrass, in the background, also are washing a rooster. They met with the Clinton Eagles 4-H Club to wash poultry for the Douglas County Fair poultry show, which begins 8 a.m. Wednesday at the fairgrounds.

Photo by John Henry

Jessica Streit, left, and Chuck Speary, both of C.J. Quarter Horses of Topeka, exchange words before heading into the open ride Sunday at the horse show at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Community Building. Streit said she and Speary train horses and were at the fair breaking in a couple of young horses.

Photo by John Henry

Baylie Moon, 12, of the Stull Busy Beavers 4-H Club, holds her reward for her riding effort Saturday at the Douglas County Fair. Baylie won the purple ribbon, the highest award for her class.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Kelsie Middaugh 11, of the Stull Busy beavers 4-H Club, hugs her horse, Maria, before they ride in the English Pleasure part of Saturday's 4-H Horse Show at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Dana Calderwood, from left, Linda Nemeth and Regan Zaremba, 9, line up for the grand entrance Friday during the Jackpot Barrel Racing at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Photo by John Henry

Kristin Goin, of Wamego, warms up her quarter horse, Jazz, Friday before the Jackpot Barrel Racing event at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. In the event, riders and their horses must maneuver around barrels in the fastest time possible. Winnings are divided among the top finishers, with the top jackpot prize expected to be about $250.

Photo by John Henry

Kristy Wempe, a longtime 4-H member and demolition derby fan, is finally getting the chance to compete in the annual event. The 25-year-old Lawrence woman purchased a 1972 Chevy Impala for the derby, and plans to paint it red. "I joke around with the guys saying that when it comes time for my heat, they are going to have to pick me up and put me into the car because I am going to be so scared," she says.

Photo by Richard Gwin