| A "Hoppin" Good Time |
|
Eloise Ogden, Minot Daily News 7/19/2008 Powers Lake family shows rabbits, runs the Bunny Barn The Maruskie family of Powers Lake got started raising rabbits several years ago. They show rabbits, but this year is the first year they are running the Bunny Barn at the State Fair. Colton Maruskie, a high school sophomore, said his mother, Nicki, got them started raising rabbits. "We show, sell and have some as pets," he said. They live on a farm at Powers Lake. Colton will be showing about 12 rabbits at the fair this year. He said he's had some god winnings, including winning the grand champion junior showmanship one year. Keegan, an eighth-grader, and Sadie, a third-grader, also show rabbits at the State Fair. The Maruskies have a total of about 55 rabbits - of Jersey Woolly, Mini Rex, Mini Lop and Polish breeds - at the fair and show in open, youth, FFA and 4-H. Colton said he likes winning the plaques and ribbons. Although the barn for the rabbits at the fair was still rather empty Friday morning, it would be filling up later that day when owners would be bringing in their rabbits for today's events. "We'll get about 300 rabbits, " Nicki Maruskie said. The American Rabbit Breeders Association show brings in more than 40 different breeds of rabbits. The Maruskie family stays at the fair throughout the days and keeps an eye on operations at the barn during that time. The American Rabbit Breeders Association show beginning at 9 a.m. is one of the shows being held at today's State Fair. |