Local youth take home top honors at 2026 Feather Fest

UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County recently hosted its annual Feather Fest, drawing more than 90 chickens and plenty of smiles from participants and spectators alike. The event showcased youth exhibitors from across Washington, Holmes, and surrounding counties competing in showmanship, educational displays, and photography categories, with awards presented in Peewee through Senior divisions.

In the showmanship competition, Peewee winners were Scarlett Shoemaker, Thomas Miller, and Tobias Ackman. Junior division winners included Laura Mae Waters, Isaac Miller, Dakota May, Avalyn Barber, Ada Haas, Rowan Cooksey, Roan Cannon, Milley Smith, and Emberli Holliday. Intermediate winners were Jocelyn Brock, Chloe Kaluszkin, Tate Cannon, Kaydence Ackman, Ivy Mitchell, Farrah Tyus, Bryleigh Houston, Gracie Smith, and Addison Howell. Senior division winners included Emily Flowers, Felicity Manning, Emma Weeks, and Emmett Ackman.

Educational display winners were Rowan Cooksey, Emmitt Ackman, and Emily Flowers. Photography winners included Isaac Miller, Emma Weeks, Emily Flowers, and Dakota May for single photos, while Ivy Mitchell, Kaydence Ackman, and Tobias Ackman earned recognition for photo series entries. Scarlett Shoemaker was also recognized for the first egg laid at the show.

Division champions were announced as follows: Emma Weeks, Grand Champion Production Female with her Chocolate Orpington; Bryleigh Houston, Reserve Champion Production Female with her Light Sussex; Farrah Tyus, Grand Champion Production Male with her Black Orpington; Avalyn Barber, Reserve Champion Production Male with her Barnvelder; Ivy Mitchell, Grand Champion Bantam with her Serama; Farrah Tyus, Reserve Champion Bantam with her Serama; Chloe Clayton, Grand Champion Fancy with her Buff Satin; Lincoln Brock, Reserve Champion Fancy with his Cochin; Ivy Mitchell, Grand Champion Other with her Royal Palm Turkey; and Kaydence Ackman, Reserve Champion Other for her Heritage Turkey.

Organizers expressed appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, and families for making Feather Fest 2026 a success. They also extended thanks to Jewellyn Owen for her role as judge and show coordinator for the event.