Linda Steele has held the Pierce County Fair goat superintendent role for 35 years, and she is beginning to transition the position to her daughter, Anna Doornink.

Steele’s kids grew up in 4-H and she helped the group out along the way. When a superintendent was needed, Steele’s kids were in the goat project, so it was a natural fit.

“So, I thought well, sure I’ll do it,” Steele said. “And now, 35 years later, I’m still doing it. It’s been good.”

Steele has spent most of her life in the county. Along the way, she has always made a point to get out to the fair.

A reason Steele has enjoyed getting so involved in the goat project is because it is a great animal to show for people that have not shown a farm animal before. She said animals like horses and cows are great, but their size makes them difficult for someone who has never trained livestock before compared to goats.

“It’s rewarding to see how the kids have grown not only physically, but mentally,” Steele said.

Since Steele grew up on a farm, she enjoys helping and watching kids that are new to the project going on to raise and train a goat of their own. The goat program is one where the growth in the trainers is apparent.

Now, Steele has brought in her daughter, Doornink, to share duties as superintendent. Doornink is being shown the ropes to eventually take over for her mother.

“I’ve tried to teach her everything I know, and she’s doing a good job,” Steele said. “I’m kind of handing the reins over to her to take over as superintendent… It’s time for new ideas.”

The reason Steele has continued to keep the role is because she has found joy in doing it. She said everyone from the volunteers to the children doing the projects work hard for long periods of time to make it all happen.

“It’s just something that I enjoy doing,” Steele said. “It’s just not one week out of the year, it’s kind of an all-year long project.”

Steele gets a state fair-like feel from the Pierce County Fair, mentioning it is up there with the best county fairs. What differentiates the county fair from the state fair is seeing the people of the community. Steele called the fair like a “family reunion” for people you only see once a year.

Make sure to check out the goats at this year’s Pierce County Fair from Aug. 7-10.