By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Atlas Twp. – Costuming 220 pounds of pig is no easy accomplishment.
For sisters Natalie and Katelyn Cook of Atlas Township, it’s become tradition to gussy up their swine, sheep, and rabbits for 4-H competitions at the Genesee County Fair, held this year Aug. 15 to 21 at G-6130 East Mt. Morris Road in Mt. Morris, Mich.
Animal costumes are custom-crafted to coordinate with handlers? outfits, says Natalie, 17. She and Katelyn, 15, have participated in the animal costuming contests for more than eight years.
‘Most of the time ours are old Halloween costumes, and we make the animals?,? Natalie said.
In the past, fair-goers have seen lots of pork and mutton-themed costumes; Bo Peep and her sheep; Hamm, the piggy-bank character from the movie ‘Toy Story?; and Tiger Woods with a pig-shaped golf ball. One of the most memorable competitions featured matching cowboy outfits, with both handler and pig wearing fringed chaps.
As in sheep show and showmanship competitions, the more docile sheep are brought through the fair’s arena.
Costumed pigs–who tend to chew and roll in their outfits–are judged in their pens.
Natalie, who also participates with her sister in photographic and horse classes, has placed more than once in the competitions. In recent years, she took first place for her ‘Pocohontas at a pig roast? theme.
This year’s swine and sheep costume shows will take place at 6 and 7 p.m. Aug. 17.
The fair also features a motocross competition, baby contest, pageant, figure-eight and demolition derbies, Gary Allan, a truck and tractor pull, bull mania, a petting zoo, an animal birthing tent, the beer tent, target shooting, and singer Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
Fair-goers will find summer science and children’s art center fun, chainsaw carving, an arts and crafts bazaar, bingo, agricultural and animal exhibits, parades, a talent contest, an ice cream social, ‘pickle putting?, a fashion show, a tribute to service personnel, pie, pizza, and jalapeno-eating contests, ‘tomato baseball?, a dart tournament, cow-chip tossing, a shoot-out contest with the Flint Generals, a draft horse and wagon show, and more.
Seniors 65 and older will receive free gate admission before 5 p.m. Aug. 16.
Details: Go to http://www.gcf.org.