Among the busiest will be 9-year-old Cutter Higgins, a talented rocket builder and turkey raiser, whom The Cortez Journal will follow throughout fair week.
Who is Cutter Higgins?
Dressed in a button-down shirt, jeans, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, Higgins looks like a young man who would be successful in 4-H.
Thus, it is not altogether surprising that the Lewis Elementary School student produced the Grand Champion Market Turkey at last year’s fair.
More than just an outstanding turkey producer however, Higgins plays soccer, spends time with his family and hangs out with friends.
Asked about his favorite aspects of the 4-H experience, Higgins, who is a member of Kalvin’s Kids 4-H Club, mentioned the fair.
“I’m excited for the water park,” said Higgins.
What does Cutter do?
Now in his second year as a 4-H club member, Higgins plans to show market turkeys and participate in rocketry at this year’s fair.
In all, Higgins will show eight turkeys this year, including one especially large turkey called “Spinosaurus,” who can be distinguished by a bent toe.
To prepare for this year’s fair, Higgins dedicated countless hours to feeding, watering and caring for his birds, which currently weigh more than 30 pounds.
While Higgins said that he enjoys multiple aspects of raising market turkeys, he noted that selling the birds is his favorite part.
“My favorite part is the sale,” said Higgins, who made approximately $1,500 at last year’s fair.
In addition to showing market turkeys, Higgins will participate in rocketry this year.
Currently a Level 1 participant, Higgins has built three rockets, which he launched for the first time last week.
Clearly enthused about his rockets, Higgins said that he plans to continue participating in rocketry in the future.
“My favorite part so far has been when I launched them,” said Higgins.
What’s up next for Cutter?
Higgins will be busy with his projects throughout the upcoming week.
After answering an interviewer’s questions about his projects on July 28, Higgins will spend time on July 29 washing and cleaning his turkeys.
On the morning of July 30, Higgins will launch his rockets at Parque de Vida before returning to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds to check in his birds. On July 31, Higgins turkeys will be judged.
Between those activities, Higgins will spend time at the water park and examine other 4-H projects.
For updates on Higgins’ week, as well as photographs of the young 4-H member, check www.cortezjournal.com and www.facebook.com/cortezjournal