Hutchinson Firefighters Milk Their Way to Victory at the Kansas State Fair

The Kansas State Fair's Celebrity Goat Milking Contest has once again captured the attention of the local community, with the Hutchinson Fire Department emerging victorious in a thrilling competition. The three-member team from the department showcased their dairy farming expertise, outperforming a talented State Fair Board team in the final round to claim the coveted Golden Goat trophy.

Milking Their Way to the Top

Hutchinson Fire Department's Winning Strategy

The Hutchinson Fire Department's team, led by Andrew Pauly, demonstrated a well-coordinated and strategic approach to the contest. Pauly, who grew up on a dairy farm in the Garden Plain area, leveraged his extensive experience to guide his team to victory. "We milked it for all its worth, we didn't get a milk dud, so it felt pretty good to come out on top," Pauly said after the contest.The team's success can be attributed to their seamless teamwork and individual expertise. Each member took turns milking the goat for 15 seconds, showcasing their dexterity and efficiency. The HFD's victory was particularly impressive as they outperformed a perennial contest power, the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the first round and edged out a team composed of Hutchinson's Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Fire Chief in the semi-finals.

The State Fair Board's Valiant Effort

The State Fair Board team, led by board member Sarah Green, also put up a strong performance. The team's big milker was board member Nick Kretzner from Bird City, who demonstrated his prowess alongside first-time milker Sarah Maass, the State 4-H Leader. "We had a good outing, a great team, strong hands," Green said after the final round.The State Fair Board team had a successful run, defeating the defending champion team from Reno County EMS in the semi-finals. They also bested a past champion team from Hutchinson's Catholic parishes in the first round, showcasing their determination and skill.

Other Contenders and the Competitive Landscape

The competition was not without its other notable participants. The Reno County Commissioners, Daniel Friesen, Don Bogner, and Randy Parks, also took part in the contest, but were ultimately edged out by the City Council in the first round.The Celebrity Goat Milking Contest has become a highly anticipated event at the Kansas State Fair, drawing in a diverse array of teams and showcasing the community's passion for agriculture and friendly competition. The victory of the Hutchinson Fire Department has cemented their place in the event's history, and the State Fair Board's strong performance has set the stage for an even more thrilling competition in the years to come.