Dozens of 4-H children showing off their animals at the Agri-Sports Building at the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds Thursday evening were joined by more than just family and friends. They were also joined by bidders representing various local and area organizations and the rapid-fire banter of an auctioneer during the 4-H Market Animal Auction.

North Dakota State University Williams County Extension agent Warren Froelich said there were 27 steers, 12 swine and nine lambs up for auction Thursday. He said each of the animals were blue and red ribbon animals that were ready for harvest.

"This is an effort to reward the 4-H members for their work. It takes many hours to train the animals and raise them. This is a big time and a big deal for them. This is like a district basketball tournament or something of that sort for them," said Froelich.

Froelich said the animals were of very good quality and the children did a great job. He also said the price range for the animals at the annual auction varies from year. Prices usually range from about $300 to $2,000 for a quality animal. He also said the bidders who come have been very loyal over the years.

"We usually get pretty good support," said Froelich. One of the bidders in attendance was Orvis Nelson of Homestead, Mont., who is director for Nemont Telephone. Nelson has been coming to the 4-H auction as a Nemont representative for over 10 years and enjoys bidding and getting a good animal each year.

"It varies year to year. Sometimes I've gotten a steer and others I go with the sheep or swine," said Nelson.

Nelson said his children were in 4-H years ago and he had numerous friends around him watching and bidding. He enjoys the total experience of the event.

"They do a great job with this and the kids go a great job. The food's pretty good, a lot of good people to visit with the animals. I'm definitely going to volunteer to come back again next year," said Nelson.

Among the 4-H members participating, there was a lot of pride shown in their animals after a long period of preparation. One excited 4-H member was Zahl's Meagan Keyes, 11. She has been in 4-H for two years and raised swine both years. As Keyes waited for her turn to show her animal, she said she had spent over two months getting it ready.

"I just hope it all pays off," said Keyes.

Keyes hopes to move up to raising a horse next year, so her experience being around everyone this year should be valuable in doing that.

"I'm trying to observe and learn from all my friends here for next year," said Keyes.

Another member who had a great time and was proud of her accomplishments was Williston's Sadie Fjelstad. Fjelstad, 19, has been in 4-H for 11 years and most years she raises a steer and a horse for the various events.

"I was reserve champ for Class-1 steers last night. It's definitely worth my time," said Fjelstad.

She enjoys the annual events and it's a lot of work each year.

"There's feeding every day and about an hour or so of working with them each day," she said.