It’s not even Easter, but one Bell bunny is dazzling judges

By Carrie A. Mizell

An English Lop rabbit that goes by the name of ‘Kolton’ was named grand champion rabbit on Friday at the Suwannee River Fair, much to the delight of his owner, Danielle Holstein.

A member of the Bell FFA Chapter, Danielle could not stop smiling after show judge Tommy Andrews declared her rabbit “the closest to its standard,” and thereby his top choice of 47 rabbit entries.
After getting a big hug from her equally delighted sister Desiree, Danielle explained that 2010 marks her eighth year showing a rabbit at the Suwannee River Fair.
Reserve Champion Rabbit went to Shelbi McCall of Dixie FFA, who showed a Mini Lop rabbit named “Alfalfa.”
The rabbit show opened the 58th Annual Suwannee River Fair, which will run through Wednesday, March 31.
Events to be held this weekend include a Homegrown Steer Show on Saturday at 3 p.m. followed by the Steer Showmanship contest at 5 p.m. On Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. an Alumni Steer Show will be held followed by an Alumni Swine Show at 3 p.m.
The 2010 Swine Show will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, followed by the Feeder Steer Show on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The Market Steer Show will then begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The evening will close with a Fashion Review at 6 p.m. at the Suwannee River Shrine Club.
Animals will be sold on Wednesday, March 31 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Local residents and business owners are encouraged to support the youth of Gilchrist County by purchasing show animals during the sale.